September 30, 2012

Poll: 62% of Americans support use of force to stop nuclear Iran

Foreign Policy Initiative poll shows strong majority of Americans (70%) view Israel favorably • Israel’s support is most pronounced on the Right and in the center • Some 80.9% of self-identified conservatives, 68.5% percent of moderates and 62.9% of liberals hold favorable views of Israel.
Israel Hayom Staff

A significant majority of Americans would support the use of force, if necessary, to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, according to a recent national survey by the Foreign Policy Initiative.

Asked in an open-ended question to name the country that poses “the most danger” to U.S. national security interests, the largest group of respondents (45.1%) said the Islamic Republic of Iran. "Indeed, Iranian leaders, who have publicly threatened to wipe Israel ‘off the map,’ have continued to improve their country’s ability to build a nuclear weapon on short notice, while repeatedly rejecting a decade’s worth of international diplomacy and economic pressure by the United States and others aimed at persuading them to change course," the group said in a statement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Iran is quickly nearing a “zone of immunity,” a technical state in which it wouold be difficult for U.S. or Israeli conventional airstrikes to degrade, delay or destroy Iran’s controversial nuclear program.

A majority of Americans (62%) favor preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons, even if this option means the use of military force, over the alternative of avoiding armed conflict and accepting the likelihood that Iran will acquire nuclear weapons. A strong majority of self-identified conservatives (78.6%) and a majority of self-identified moderates (57.8%), in addition to 44.6% of self-identified liberals, support U.S. military action to stop a nuclear-armed Iran.

The national survey, "Foreign Policy Matters in 2012," was conducted by Basswood Research from Sept. 15-17 on behalf of the Foreign Policy Initiative, a Washington-based advocacy group founded in early 2009 by several high-profile neoconservative figures. The survey’s margin of error is 3.1% in a sample of 1000 likely voters.

The poll shows that Israel, America’s closest ally in the Middle East, continues to enjoy strong U.S. public support. A strong majority of Americans (70%) view Israel favorably. Israel’s support is most pronounced on the Right and in the center. Some 80.9% of self-identified conservatives, 68.5% percent of moderates and 62.9% of liberals hold favorable views of Israel.

Asked in an open-ended question to name the country that is “America’s best ally in the world today,” respondents named the U.K. first (54%), followed by Israel (15.9%).

A very strong majority of respondents say the U.S. plays a positive role in international affairs. In particular, 85.7% believe the U.S. is a “force of good in the world.” An overwhelming majority (92.2%) say it is either very important (56%) or somewhat important (36.2%) for the U.S. to play a significant role in world affairs. In short, Americans flatly reject isolationism.

A large group of respondents (49%) named the economy as their top concern in determining for whom to vote in the 2012 presidential election.

However, given that the survey was conducted several days after the killing of U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three other U.S. officials, it appears that this event and recent anti-American protests in the Muslim world increased the importance of national security to the November presidential elections. In particular, 59.8% of respondents believe that recent events in the Middle East have made national security issues more important in their deliberations in the upcoming election. Also, an overwhelming majority (97.3%) said that being prepared to be commander-in-chief of the military was either the single most important qualification (18.9%), a very important qualification (67.7%), or a somewhat important qualification (10.7%) for a candidate running for president.

According to the FPI, it was "clear that, even despite continuing concerns about the economy and other domestic issues, an overwhelming majority of Americans (92.2%) assign importance to the United States continuing to play a significant role in global affairs, and a very strong majority of Americans (85.7%) still see the United States as a force for good in the world.”
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=5948

September 28, 2012

MERF

For those who would like to hear me on the radio, I am very pleased to announce that I will be having a weekly appearance on the Middle East Radio Forum, the show is hosted By William Wolf.

The time of the show is 3pm EDT, 12 noon Pacific, 9pm Israel, every Sunday. Please feel free to call in if you have any questions about my weekly comments. If you should happen to miss the show then you can go to the MERF web page and listen to me and other guest in the archives.

German Jewish leader deters racist attack with gun

By REUTERS
09/28/2012 17:32
Michael Kramer, walking with daughters, threatened, verbally abused in the latest in a string of racist incidents in Berlin.

BERLIN - A leading member of Germany's Jewish community had to point to a gun he was carrying to ward off a young man shouting anti-Semetic abuse, the latest in a string of racist incidents in Berlin that has shocked Jews and city authorities.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany said its general secretary, Michael Kramer, had endured a barrage of threatening insults from the man after leaving a Berlin synagogue with his two daughters on Wednesday.

"The man threatened us and made clear he would have lashed out if the children had not been there," the council quoted Kramer, 44, as saying on its website.

Kramer then pointed to a gun he is allowed to carry for his personal protection to deter the man from attacking him.

Germany's top-selling Bild newspaper carried a photograph of the young man that Kramer himself had taken at the time with his mobile phone. The man, with a partially shaven head, has an arm raised towards the phone as though about to push Kramer.

Bild quoted the man as having said to Kramer: "What are you doing here? Go back to where you came from."

Both Kramer and his adversary are pressing charges against each other, German media said.

Last month, one of the first rabbis ordained in Germany since the Holocaust, Daniel Alter, was beaten up on a Berlin street in front of his young daughter by four attackers, prompting a seminary to advise its students to avoid wearing skullcaps in public.

Germany's official Jewish population, now at around 120,000, has grown more than 10-fold in the last 20 years, thanks largely to an influx of Jews from the former Soviet Union, but anti-Semitic attacks are commonplace and policemen guard synagogues around the clock.
http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishNews/Article.aspx?id=286472
Not all Jews are stupid, some of us learn from the past.

Again I am going to tell Jews in the USA, buy a handgun and an assault rifle before the election. You will need at least 4 spare magazines for each weapon and also buy several thousand rounds of ammo for each weapon.

For those not into guns, I will tell you ammo prices are only going up so buy now.

September 27, 2012

Netanyahu at UN: Red lines prevent war

Prime minister warns Iran will have enough enriched uranium to make nuclear bomb by next summer, urges world the draw a clear 'red line' to stop it in its tracks
Yitzhak Benhorin

NEW YORK - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Thursday that Iran will have enough enriched uranium to make a nuclear bomb by next summer and urged the world to draw a clear "red line" to stop it in its tracks.

Flashing a diagram showing the progress Iran has made, he said it was getting "late, very late" to stop Iran.

"Red lines don't lead to war, red lines prevent war," he said. "Nothing could imperil the world more than a nuclear-armed Iran."

Netanyahu said Iran had completed the first stage of uranium enrichment.

"Iran is 70% of the way there and ... well into the second stage. By next summer, at current enrichment rates, they will have finished the medium enrichment and move on to the final stage," Netanyahu said. "From there it is only a few more weeks before they have enriched enough for a bomb."

Netanyahu has repeatedly argued that time is running out to stop the Islamic Republic from becoming a nuclear power and the threat of force must be seriously considered.

"I believe that faced with a clear red line, Iran will back down – and it will give more time for sanctions and diplomacy," the Israeli prime minister said.

The prime minister also drew a parallel between the Iranian threat and the Holocaust. “Those who opposed that fanaticism waited too long to act,” said Netanyahu, adding that the defeat of Germany came years later “at a terrific cost."

Israeli leaders have issued a series of warnings in recent weeks suggesting that if Iran's uranium enrichment program continues it may soon stage a unilateral military strike, flouting even American wishes.

The Obama administration has urgently sought to hold off Israeli military action, which would likely result in the US being pulled into a conflict and cause region-wide mayhem on the eve of American elections.

Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran to be an existential threat, citing Iranian denials of the Holocaust, its calls for Israel's destruction, its development of missiles capable of striking the Jewish state and its support for hostile Arab militant groups.

"Given this record of Iranian aggression without nuclear weapons, just imagine Iranian aggression with nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said.

In his speech, Netanyahu said he was confident Israel and the United States could chart a way forward on how to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

"Israel is in discussions with the United States over this issue and I am confident that we can chart a path forward together," the prime minister told the multinational audience.

'Medieval forces of radical Islam'

At the beginning of his address, the prime minister dismissed claims by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who said in his own UNGA speech that Israel has no roots in the Middle East. Netanyahu further stated he wants to see Judaism, Christianity and Islam coexist in peace, but asserted that “the medieval forces of radical Islam” are preventing that from taking place.

“We want to see the three great religions that sprang forth from our region – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – coexist in peace and in mutual respect. Yet, the medieval forces of radical Islam, whom you just saw storming the American embassies throughout the Middle East. Well, they oppose this,” he said.

“They are bent on world conquest. They want to destroy Israel, Europe, America. They want to extinguish freedom. They want to end the modern world,” he added. “(…) They want to drag humanity back to an age of unquestioning dogma, unrelenting conflict. I’m sure of one thing: Ultimately, they will fail. Ultimately, light will penetrate the darkness."

Listing Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda and Iran's Revolutionary Guards as emissaries of this extremist Islamic movement, he said that "despite their differences, they’re all rooted in the same bitter soil of intolerance.”

Earlier in the evening, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the assembly, and announced he has opened talks on a new bid for international recognition of a Paletinian state.

Abbas said in his speech that "intensive consultations with the various regional organizations and the state members" were underway. He also used his speech to denounce Israel for a variety of grievances, including settler attacks and land policies, and to accuse Israel of unermining the basis for a two-state solution.

Netanyahu, in turn, said, “We won’t solve our conflict with libelous speeches at the United Nations."

Netanyahu-Obama tension

Earlier still, an Israeli official said Netanyahu is expected to set out a "clear red line" for Iran's disputed nuclear drive, adding that the plan could be pursued together with the United States.

Netanyahu faced the world body a day after US President Barack Obama disappointed some Israelis by imposing no ultimatum to the Iranians in his own address, though he did warn that time for diplomacy with Tehran "is not unlimited".

Netanyahu's public calls for a US ultimatum have deepened acrimony with Obama, a Democrat accused by his Republican rivals of being soft on the Jewish state's security. That has stirred American accusations of Israeli meddling in the November presidential elections – something denied by Netanyahu.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who is also visiting New York, after said that Obama's declaration that the US won't tolerate a nuclear Iran "speaks for itself… There is no reason not to believe the president of the United States."

Addressing Netanyahu's speech, Lieberman said: "When you talk about red lines it usually isn't very clear to the general public. I think the illustration was meant for the public, not leaders."

Earlier in the day, President Shimon Peres commented on Ahmadinejad's speech at the UN on Wednesday and said: "The speech was shameful and attests to his deep ignorance of history – I intend to pass a letter to the UN secretary General with a history lesson for Ahmadinejad."

http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4286353,00.html
I am proud of Bibi, this was a very good speech. I give him a B+

September 26, 2012

PM: On Yom Kippur, Iran tyrant called for our demise

Before boarding flight to NYC for UN speech, Netanyahu says 'history proves that those who wanted to wipe us off the map failed'
Reuters

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday promised a tough response at the United Nations to the latest verbal attacks on Israel by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and said he was determined to stop Iran developing nuclear weapons.

Before boarding a flight to New York to address the annual UN General Assembly, Netanyahu issued an open letter to Israelis marking the end of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the most sacred holiday in the Jewish calendar.

"On the question of Iran, we are all united in the goal of preventing Iran from achieving nuclear weaponry. On the day on which we pray to be inscribed in the Book of Life, a stage was given to the tyrannical regime of Iran which seeks at every opportunity to sentence us to death," Netanyahu said.

"On Yom Kippur eve, sacred to the Jewish people, the Iranian tyrant chose to call publicly before all of the world for us to vanish. This is a black day for those who chose to remain in the auditorium and hear these hateful words."

The Israeli leader did not name any UN member state in particular. The United States delegation chose not to attend Ahmadinejad's General Assembly speech, while other allies of Israel walked out.

"In statements I will make before representatives of the nations at the UN General Assembly, they will hear our response. As prime minister of Israel, the state of the Jewish people, I am working in every way in order that Iran does not have nuclear weaponry," Netanyahu said.

"History proves that those who wanted to wipe us off the map failed in that objective, while the Jewish people overcame all obstacles."

Jews believe that between Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year) and Yom Kippur, God decides who will be inscribed in the Book of Life, meaning who will not die in the coming year.

Ahmadinejad's speeches in the UN forum included a prediction that Israel would be "eliminated."

On Wednesday, with Israelis observing a solemn silence for Yom Kippur, he told the Assembly that Iran was under a "continued threat by the uncivilized Zionists to resort to military action against our great nation".

Iran denies working in secret to develop nuclear weapons, saying that it is building a peaceful atomic power capability. Israel and its main ally the United States have repeatedly said they will not permit Tehran to build the bomb.

Netanyahu's senior advisers privately shrug off Ahmadinejad's incendiary rhetoric, saying he has no policy-making role in Iran's nuclear development program.

On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama told the UN Assembly that time was running out to find a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. "The United States will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon," he said.

That statement went no further than his previously stated position, appearing to ignore calls from Netanyahu urging that Washington must now set clear red lines for Iran, beyond which military action would be taken.

Relations between the men are strained. Netanyahu's office said Obama had declined a request to meet this week, but the two leaders were expected to speak by telephone.

Ahmadinejad: Iran can neutralize sabotage of nuke sites

Speaking to reporters after UN speech, Iranian president says his country 'capable of avoiding' efforts to delay its nuclear program. Adds: We are ready for dialogue with US
Dudi Cohen, Reuters

Despite the ongoing covert war against Iran's nuclear program, the Islamic Republic's president said on Wednesday Tehran is capable of neutralizing all efforts to sabotage its nuclear facilities and repeated that Iran is ready for dialogue with the United States.

Speaking about possible sabotage of its nuclear facilities, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told reporters through an interpreter that Iran was "capable of avoiding and neutralizing these efforts."

Iranian troops recently uncovered a spying device near the underground uranium enrichment pant at Fordo, and Iran has also claimed that Germany's Siemens planted explosives in equipment sold to Iran for use in its nuclear program. Siemens denied the allegations.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the Iranian Parliament's national security and foreign policy committee, said on Saturday that intelligence and security officials had detected explosive material inside devices supplied for Iran's nuclear activities.

"It was planned that these devices would explode once used and damage all of our systems, but in the end with the knowledge of our experts, this enemy conspiracy was foiled," Boroujerdi was quoted as saying by ICANA, Iran's parliamentary news agency.

"The Siemens company must be held accountable for its actions," he said.

Iran's atomic energy chief said this week that power lines to the Fordo nuclear enrichment plant were blown up on August 17 and alleged that the International Atomic Energy Agency may have been infiltrated by "terrorists and saboteurs."

Iran has previously accused Israel and Western governments of attempting to sabotage its atomic program by assassinating nuclear scientists and planting computer viruses.

Tehran says it is developing nuclear energy in order to generate electricity, and denies Western accusations it is bent on acquiring atomic bombs.

At the news conference in New York, which was held after he addressed the UN General Assembly, Ahmadinejad also said: "We are ready for a dialogue (with the United States) and a resolution of problems ... We have never had any problems with the people of the United States."

During his speech before the General Assembly, Ahmadinejad said Iran is under threat of military action from "uncivilized Zionists." While he was speaking, hundreds of people, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, protested near the UN building against the regime in Tehran.

The US Mission to the UN boycotted Ahmadinejad's speech. Its spokeswoman said, "Over the past couple of days, we’ve seen Mr. Ahmadinejad once again use his trip to the UN not to address the legitimate aspirations of the Iranian people but to instead spout paranoid theories and repulsive slurs against Israel. It’s particularly unfortunate that Mr. Ahmadinejad will have the platform of the UN General Assembly on Yom Kippur, which is why the United States has decided not to attend."

In his speech Ahmadinejad did not mention Syria, Iran's closest ally in the region, but the reporters asked him about the assistance provided by the Revolutionary Guards to President Bashar Assad's regime.

The commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Brigadier General Mohammad Ali Jafari, said recently that "a number of Quds Force members are present in Syria and Lebanon... we provide (these countries) with counsel and advice, and transfer experience to them," Guards commander said.

Ahmadinejad told the news conference in New York that Jafari's comments were "taken out of context."

September 25, 2012

PLO ambassador calls on UN to recognize Palestine

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
25/09/2012
Ibrahim Khraishi addresses UNHRC for Palestine to become "fully fledged member state," accuses Israel of violations.

PLO ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ibrahim Khraishi on Monday called on the United Nations to accept Palestine as a member state, as he spoke at the 21st session of that body’s Human Rights Council in Geneva.

“The Palestinian people very soon are due to meet the dawn of their freedom,” Khraishi said. “The occupying force must take into account this reality. We are going to stay on Palestinian land.”

He added, “We are confident that our state will be set up [as] a fully fledged member of the UN.”

He spoke in advance of a renewed bid by the PLO to advance the cause of unilateral Palestinian statehood at the UN, by pushing for the General Assembly to recognize it as a non-member state.

He was one of dozens of representatives who spoke in support of the Palestinians and against Israel, as the UNHRC held a debate under Agenda Item 7, which mandates that the issue of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians be debated at each session.

Although countries took Israel to task for its continued “occupation” of the West Bank and Gaza Strip with sharp rhetoric, the council did not pass any resolutions against Israel.

The council has been heavily criticized for overly focusing on Israel, and in past sessions has often approved more resolutions against Israel than against any other country.

Khraishi accused Israel of violating international law and humanitarian law in its treatment of Palestinians.

“Occupation is the main cause of the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he declared, adding, “The Judaization of east Jerusalem is continuing.”

He further accused Israel of continued settlement-building in the West Bank, of holding Palestinians prisoner in its jails and of not halting settler violence.

Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kyung-wha-Kang also took Israel to task for not doing enough to halt settler violence.

“There is a need to ensure accountability for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. This includes bringing to justice Israeli settlers who perpetrate violence against Palestinians and their property,” she said.

She added that her office welcomed assurances from Israel’s public security minister that the police would address these “nationalistic hate crimes.”

“We look forward to immediate and effective action by Israeli authorities to prevent, investigate and punish any incident of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians or their property,” she said.

Kang also argued that Israel and the Palestinians needed to do more to implement a report penned by South African jurist Richard Goldstone on Israel’s incursion into Gaza in the winter of 2008- 2009, known as Operation Cast Lead.

“It has been nearly three yeas since this council endorsed the fact-finding mission’s recommendations. Yet not one person has been indicted for any of the incidents documented by the fact-finding mission,” she said.

Israel, which has cut off ties with the council, was not present.

The United States did not address the council.

http://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=286186
What a load of rubbish, an anti Israel witch hunt.

The UN ignores the facts as put out by Palestinians. That Palestinians that are lucky enough to work for Israelis' make 87% higher wages, they have access to Israeli hospitals and the thousands of semi trucks full of goods we send into Gaza .

The UN is a waste of time and money, it exists only to give crooks from tiny little third world countries a chance to steal money and live the good life.

September 24, 2012

Obama says 'blocking out' Israeli 'noise'

US president says he understands Israeli PM's 'insistence' to prevent Iran from becoming nuclear but stresses 'when it comes to our national security any pressure I feel is to do what's right for the American people'
Yitzhak Benhorin

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama described the Israeli pressure to draw a "red line" for Iran as "noise" he is trying to block out.

In an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes" that aired Sunday, the president addressed the crisis between Washington and Jerusalem over the handling of the Iranian nuclear issue. Obama stressed he feels "an obligation, not pressure" to coordinate with Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli and US officials are still struggling to reach understandings on the matter behind the scenes. US Ambassador to Washington Michael Oren has traveled to Israel to meet Netanyahu before the latter heads to New York for the UN's General Assembly on Wednesday night.

Obama said he "understands and shares" the Israeli prime minister's "insistence" that Iran should not obtain a nuclear weapon as this "would threaten us, it would threaten Israel and it would threaten the world and kick off a nuclear arms race."

However, in a jab to Netanyahu, he remarked that when it comes to US national security "any pressure that I feel is simply to do what's right for the American people. And I am going to block out any noise that's out there."
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4285305,00.html
Americans' have a choice, between a man that has stabbed allies in the back. Thus setting the stage for a rebirth of an Islamic caliphate in the Middle East. A caliphate that will oppress woman, Christians and surround Israel in a bid to wipe us off the map.

Or Americans' can choose a man that has called Jerusalem the eternal capitol of Israel with no dividing line and has had the courage to tell the truth about the Palestinians.

Ahmadinejad: Israel has no roots in Middle East

Iranian president tells reporters in NY that while Islamic Republic is 'fully ready' to defend itself, it doesn't take 'Zionist threats' seriously; adds that Israel represents disturbance for Iran
Reuters

Iran does not take Israeli threats of attack seriously, but is prepared to defend itself, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday.

"Fundamentally we do not take seriously the threats of the Zionists ... we have all the defensive means at our disposal and we are ready to defend ourselves," Ahmadinejad told reporters in New York, where he is due to attend the UN General Assembly.

"While we are fully ready to defend ourselves, we do not take such threats seriously," he said.

The Iranian leader also said that Israel has "no roots" in the history of the Middle East and represents a disturbance for Iran.

Ahmadinejad said Iran has been around for thousands of years, but Israel has existed for only 60 or 70 years. He said that for a certain "historical phase" Israel represents a disturbance for Iran and "they are then eliminated."

"They (Israel) have no roots there in history. They do not even enter the equation for Iran."

On Sunday, Ahmadinejad discussed the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran in an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes", Asked what Iran's response would be if Israel strikes its nuclear facilities, he said, "Any nation has the right, and will indeed, defend itself."

Amir Ali Hajizadeh, a brigadier general in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was quoted as saying on Sunday that Iran could launch a pre-emptive strike on Israel if it was sure the Jewish state was preparing to attack it.
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4285579,00.html
The price of Jewish blood has not inflated since the world stood by and allowed the Nazi's to murder 6,000,000 Jews.

WW2 was fought because of Hitlers aggression against Poland, and other nations in Europe, but let's be honest no to save the Jews of Europe.

I am sure some even viewed the murder of Jews as a problem solving measure for after the war.

September 23, 2012

Israel no longer a threat to Iran: IRGC deputy commander

On Line: 23 September 2012 18:20
In Print: Monday 24 September 2012
TEHRAN - The deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has said that the Zionist regime no longer constitutes a threat to Iran.

“Today, we have crossed the boundary of concern about the threats of the Zionist regime,” Brigadier General Hossein Salami stated in an interview published on Sepah News, which is the official website of the IRGC, on Sunday.

“Israel has bitter memories of confrontation with regional (allies) of the Islamic Republic during the wars of the past decade. Now, how can it be a threat to the Islamic Republic of Iran?”

Salami added, “Only a single infantry battalion of ours would be able to break the back of this regime, which only has a width of 24 kilometers in some areas, in a day.”

“Iran has reached such a zenith that an attack on it is no longer put on the political agenda of the superpowers. The level of deterrence has risen to the extent that the idea of starting and imposing another war no longer exists in the mind and belief of all the major powers, and Islamic Iran is a known great power,” he said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the IRGC deputy commander stated, “Our doctrines are defensive at the level of (grand) strategy, but our strategies and tactics are offensive. This means that we will not start a war, but if someone starts a war against us, we will be all offensive and will attack relentlessly and will not stop.”

“Our missile capability (is such that we) can target and largely destroy any enemy base in the region at any distance. We have the expertise to manufacture all modern missiles,” he added.

Israel’s bark is worse than its bite: Majlis speaker

Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Sunday that the isolated Zionist regime has been left with no option but to shout and threaten Iran.

Commenting on the wave of the Islamic Awakening rolling across the Muslim world, Larijani stated, “The dictators subservient to Western countries have fallen, and more important than this is Israel’s isolation, and now, Israel has no other option but to shout to save itself and say, ‘I am alive.’”

The fact that Israel has been isolated is a “very important” issue, Larijani said, adding, “It is threatening Iran to stabilize its situation.”

EP/HG
END
MNA
http://www.tehrantimes.com/politics/101721-israel-no-longer-a-threat-to-iran-irgc-deputy-commander-
From the lips of our enemies comes truth.

Israel is in some places only 24 kilometers wide and General Salami is correct that this does not give us strategic depth. How much worse would the situation be if we turned Judea and Samaria over to our enemy.

He also states that Israel is isolated due to the fall of the dictators and the rise of the Islamic Spring. I am also sure that he factors into Israel's isolation Obama's attitude toward Israel.

'Israel cannot rely on world to act against Iran,' Barak says

In interview with Israel Hayom to be published Tuesday, defense minister says he and Netanyahu "see eye to eye on the Iranian issue" • Iranian commander: War may break out with Zionists and it "will be the point of their annihilation."
Eli Leon, News Agencies, Shlomo Cesana and Yoav Limor

Israel cannot rely entirely on the world or the U.S. to act against Iran, Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Israel Hayom in a special pre-Yom Kippur interview.

"I hope the world will act against the Iranians and not allow them to have any nuclear capability whatsoever. But to say that we can rely [on the world] 100 percent? I say no," Barak said during the interview, which is to be published in full on Tuesday. Israel and the Obama administration are at odds over how far to allow the Iranian nuclear program to develop, with Washington saying it will not allow Iran to obtain an actual nuclear weapon, but Jerusalem drawing the line much further back, saying that the Iranian regime cannot be allowed to enrich uranium to weapons grade levels.

On reported disagreements between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Iranian threat, Barak said, "The prime minister and I see eye to eye on the Iranian issue."

Meanwhile, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Maj. Gen. Ali Jafari, said on Saturday that he believed a war would eventually break out between Israel and Iran, though he said it was unclear when this would happen, according to the Iranian semi-official Fars News Agency.

"Owing to the speed of the Islamic Revolution, this cancerous tumor, Israel, is challenging us to war, but it is not clear when this war would take place," Jafari was quoted as saying. "War may break out. If the Zionists start something, that will be the point of their annihilation and the endpoint of their story."

Jafari's comments come a day after Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who heads the Revolutionary Guard Corps’ airspace division, said that a new, Iranian-made air defense system was ready in case of an attack on Iran.

During a parade on Friday to show off the new air defense system, Hajizadeh warned Israel, saying a war against Iran would lead to the destruction of the Jewish state.

"The Zionist regime is capable of starting the war," he said. "But the final moment [of the war] will be in our hands. In that case, there will be no Zionist regime anymore."

The air defense system was on show during a military parade in Tehran commemorating the start of the Iraq-Iran war 32 years ago. Fars said the Raad, or Thunder, was more advanced than its Russian predecessor and was designed to confront fighter jets, cruise missiles, smart bombs, helicopters and drones.

Tehran has tried to build a self-sufficient military program since 1992. More recently, Iran's military leaders have said they believe future wars will be air- and sea-based, and Tehran has sought to upgrade its air defense systems and naval power in anticipation of such a possibility.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who also attended the parade, defended Iran's right to pursue a nuclear program.

"Let the world know that Iran's great nation will defend its rights, implementation of justice as well as human dignity," he said.

Also on display at the parade were Iranian missiles Sajjil-2 and Ghadr F-1, both with a range of about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) and capable of reaching Israel, U.S. bases in the region and parts of southern Europe.

Boroujerdi said Iranian security experts discovered the explosives and removed them before detonation, adding that authorities believed the booby-trapped equipment was sold to derail uranium enrichment efforts.

“The equipment was supposed to explode after being put to work, in order to dismantle all our systems,” he said. “But the wisdom of our experts thwarted the enemy conspiracy.”

Siemens denied the charge and said its nuclear division had done no business with Iran since the 1979 revolution that led to its current clerical state.

“Siemens rejects the allegations and stresses that we have no business ties to the Iranian nuclear program,” spokesman for the Munich-based company Alexander Machowetz said.

Boroujerdi, who heads the parliamentary security committee, alleged that the explosives were implanted at a Siemens factory and demanded the company take responsibility.

Any sale of nuclear equipment to Iran is banned under U.N. sanctions, raising the possibility that if it indeed has some, it may have been acquired through third parties. Boroujerdi did not say when or how Iran obtained Siemens equipment. Despite a wide array of international sanctions, Germany remains one of Iran’s most important trading partners.
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=5867
I agree 100% with Barak that we must take care of business ourselves and not depend on the world to be there for us.

If Germany with the history they have of murdering Jews, still trades with Iran. Then I have almost no hope for the rest of the world, coming to our aid.

September 21, 2012

MERF

For those who would like to hear me on the radio, I am very pleased to announce that I will be having a weekly appearance on the Middle East Radio Forum, the show is hosted By William Wolf.

The time of the show is 3pm EDT, 12 noon Pacific, 9pm Israel, every Sunday. Please feel free to call in if you have any questions about my weekly comments. If you should happen to miss the show then you can go to the MERF web page and listen to me and other guest in the archives.

IDF soldier killed in terrorist attack on Egypt border

Three terrorists open fire on Artillery Corps troops securing workers building southern border fence; one soldier killed, other injured. Terrorists detonate bomb before being killed in exchanges of fire. Army spokesman: Major terror attack thwarted

Yoav Zitun
Latest Update: 09.21.12, 16:30 / Israel News

Another serious incident on southern border: An Israeli soldier was killed and another was lightly to moderately injured when terrorists in the Sinai Peninsula opened fire on an IDF patrol in the Mount Sagi area, on the Israel-Egypt border, at around noon Friday. Heavy exchanges of fire ensued, during which the terrorists were killed
According to an initial investigation, three terrorists approached the border with Israel near the Carmit outpost, situated south of Mount Sagi, at a point where the border fence remains incomplete. The terrorists were equipped with explosive belts and assault rifles.

The three opened fire on Artillery Corps soldiers who were securing civilians building the new border fence. Soldiers from the Caracal Battalion, in which both male and female combat soldiers serve, rushed to the scene and killed the terrorists, but not before a large explosive device the terrorists were carrying was detonated.

The terrorists were also carrying a rocket-propelled grenade, the army said.

September 20, 2012

Judge: Offended by film? Don't watch it

The Jerusalem District Court has rejected a request filed by Arab leaders who sought a temporary injunction to block Israeli web access to an anti-Islam film that sparked riots worldwide.

In their petition, Knesset Member MK Talab El-Sana and several Muslim clerics demanded Google to bar Israeli web surfers from seeing the film, whether on YouTube or otherwise. A temporary injunction would stop Internet users from watching the movie while the court mulled a permanent ban.

Judge Miriam Mizrahi decided against provisionally blocking access to the film, deciding instead that the court would await a response from Google before issuing a final ruling on the matter.

"The freedom of speech is our guiding principle, and such things take time," she said.

The petitioners attempted during the hearing to press the judge on the matter, but to no avail, with the judge suggesting that "for the time being, anyone who finds the film offensive should avoid watching it."

"Anyone who doesn't search for the film, won't find it," she added.

The Arab leaders said in the petition that movie, which ridicules the Prophet Mohammed, is racist and disrespectful of Muslim beliefs, and therefore is in violation of Israeli laws.

Google Inc., which owns YouTube, has already blocked access to the film in Libya, India and Indonesia after deadly protests in several countries, but it has rejected a request by the White House to pull it from the site altogether.

http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4284299,00.html
Common sense from a judge, much less a judge in Israel.

September 19, 2012

New Israeli tactic makes deadly viruses commit suicide

Posted By Karin Kloosterman On September 13, 2012 @ 12:20 am In Biotech | 9 Comments
There’s the West Nile Virus forging a deadly path in North America, and a new round of Ebola in Africa. Then there’s bird flu, SARS and a handful of other rampant and unusually evil viruses circling the globe. Any new super virus out of control could be far worse than the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918, which killed 40 million people in just two years, says Israeli biologist Erez Livneh, CEO and founder of a new biotech company Vecoy Nanomedicines.
“Viruses are one of the biggest threats to humankind,” Livneh tells ISRAEL21c. “A viral pandemic could be more damaging than global warming or the Iranian nuclear program.”
Vecoy offers a cunning new way to disarm viruses by luring them to attack microscopic, cell-like decoys. Once inside these traps, the viruses effectively commit suicide.
Livneh presented his invention to colleagues in 2010, when he represented Israel at the multinational program of the Singularity University, based at NASA’s Ames Research base in California. He explained that Vecoy technology can capture and neutralize a wide range of deadly viruses, including resistant strains for which there are no vaccinations or cures.
“Viruses are one of the most polymorphic and resilient organisms out there,” says Livneh. “They are rapidly changing, and can change anything in their genome, either by changing their exterior so our immune system wouldn’t recognize them or by changing their enzymes so that the handful of drugs we have won’t affect them anymore.”
Yet all viruses, he notes, have one unchangeable Achilles heel: their cell host recognition site. Vecoy uses nanotechnology to give the virus two choices: either latch on to the Vecoy host trap or mutate in such a way that it cannot penetrate real host cells. In both scenarios, the end result is bad news for the virus.
“That is why, in theory, a virus cannot develop adaptive resistance to our traps,” says Livneh.
A cure, not just damage control
While vaccines, a 200-year-old invention, are a great prophylactic and have largely eradicated polio and smallpox, some viruses, such as HIV, elude vaccines. And anti-viral drugs attempt to block viruses from multiplying further from already infected cells.
“The trouble is, this is a bit too late; it’s damage control more than a cure,” explains Livneh. “Our virus-traps meet the viruses on their turf, in the bloodstream where they are disarmed before they reach the cells and before the damage is done.”
While it takes years to come up with new drugs, Vecoy’s virus traps could be tailored to address emerging new viral outbreaks quickly and efficiently, even in the event of a bioterror assault. If a government sees a threat coming from an enemy nation or a potential pandemic blowing its way, Vecoy’s solution could potentially inoculate populations before peril arrives.
“With the current state of overpopulation of our planet and international flights, we are now prone more than ever before to new viral pandemics which will be very hard to contain, and it is just a matter of time,” warns Livneh. “We’d better be in a position where we can do something about it.”
Treating the usual suspects too
Besides Ebola and new emerging and highly contagious viruses, Vecoy is also targeting the usual ones many of us struggle with every day, including hepatitis B and C, the human papillomavirus and herpes. New, smarter weapons are needed against all these viruses.
Results of cell-culture and pre-clinical studies in Vecoy’s laboratories at Bar-Ilan University’s nanotechnology center are promising, showing the neutralization of 97 percent of the viruses in the culture. Efficacy is expected to rise even further.
With an international patent pending and secured angel investments, the company now seeks several million dollars to begin studies on mammals, the next step before clinical trials in human beings.
While the road is long –– at least four or five years to start clinical trials –– it is a path worth taking if these Israeli-made virus decoys can do the job.
If Livneh succeeds on his quest he will no doubt go down in the history books along with Louis Pasteur (for pasteurization), Sir Alexander Fleming (for penicillin) and Jonas Salk (polio vaccine).
Article printed from ISRAEL21c: http://israel21c.org

'It's not about elections in America, but centrifuges in Iran'

PM Benjamin Netanyahu addresses claim that he is using Iran issue to harm the Obama re-election bid: "The only thing guiding me is centrifuges in Iran. It's not my fault that the centrifuges aren't more considerate of the Americans' political timetable."
Shlomo Cesana and Hezi Sternlicht

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he does not use delicate wording when it comes to an existential threat against Israel.
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Photo credit: Maya Baumel Birger
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Last Tuesday afternoon, not far from Mount Hermon in northern Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu picked up a pair of binoculars and watched the soldiers of the Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion train in the Golan Heights. They were tired, and nearing the end of an exercise that began on Sunday. The soldiers hadn't slept since the exercise began, the commander explained. But they were still running, charging at the hills and destroying simulated enemy fighters, staging impressive attacks.

At that moment, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz whispered something in Netanyahu's ear: "When I was a battalion commander, we charged the same targets. These guys are good." Netanyahu, in response, took Gantz even deeper into the past, saying, "I ran here too. The same targets."

When the exercise was over, Netanyahu took Gantz aside, far from the media's microphones. It stands to reason that the conversation they held privately was about a completely different target.

"This is the most important conversation of his day," one of the PM's aides said.

Netanyahu insisted on speaking to the soldiers. He stepped into one of the armored vehicles, manned by soldiers who had just completed an arduous exercise, to talk to them in person. The following day, at his office, he confessed: "This job has its good moments too. It's not just stress and difficult decisions. My conversation with the soldiers yesterday, for example, was a good moment. In general, when I go out into the field, it is a wonderful opportunity for me to recharge. It's not all one long, serious effort where you're just working and not enjoying yourself."

The prime minister's schedule kept delaying our interview. At first by one hour, then by another hour, and then by four hours. The time was 11 p.m. and Netanyahu and his team were still hard at work. It was a long workday that began at midnight the previous day, with a long-distance telephone conversation with U.S. President Barack Obama, followed by several additional important calls with other world leaders: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and French President Francois Hollande. There was also a long discussion on economic issues.

The prime minister dedicates a lot of time to thinking about how to handle the Iranian nuclear issue. It is an existential threat that is rapidly approaching, Netanyahu believes. That is the main topic on his agenda, and a central issue in talks with American officials as well.

What did you say, and what did you hear, in your conversation with the U.S. president?

"It was a good conversation that revolved around significant issues and our desire to prevent Iran from progressing any further with their military nuclear program. It is natural to have disagreements. Israel is closer [to Iran] and more vulnerable. The U.S. is big, far away, and less vulnerable. Naturally we have diverging views on certain things. In the face of a threat like Iran's nuclear armament, I believe that it is important that the international community set a clear red line. Iran has taken obvious steps in recent years and months toward developing nuclear weapons capability."

Do you believe Obama when he says, "We will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons"?

"I'm certain that he means what he says, just as the Europeans mean it when they say it and the same way we mean it when we say it. But the question is how to achieve this in a practical fashion — that is what we discussed. This is the main issue affecting our future. Naturally, a prime minister should be looking out for Israel's essential interests. I do so in conversations with world leaders and in public remarks."

It appears as though you are currently in conflict with Obama. Is Israel in conflict with the U.S.?

"It is not a conflict. It is a question of emphasis on Israel's interests, and that is the responsibility of the prime minister of Israel. I have been saying these things for 16 years.

"At first I was almost the only one warning against this danger, and then others joined me. I called for sanctions on Iran and I was nearly alone in that call, but then others joined me. I was the first one to demand red lines, and maybe I am alone at this time, but I believe that others will soon join me.

"A prime minister's and a leader's duty is to insist on the things that are essential to Israel's security, even when it is not easy, and even when there is criticism, and even when there is no immediate agreement on everything.

"If, over the last 16 years, I had listened to the advice of all those people who told me that this or that is 'unacceptable' or that 'now is not the right time' or 'wait until the circumstances shift in your favor,' I don't know if we would have made it this far. I was able to contribute to the establishment of a global coalition against Iran. We are encumbering Iran's economy, but we have not yet reached the main objective: stopping Iran's nuclear program. And Iran is getting ever closer to achieving its own objective. That is why I am saying things in the most responsible, thought-out, measured way possible — to our American friends as well — that we have a common goal: stopping the Iranians."

When you make remarks to the Americans in such a blunt way, doesn't it cause damage?

"I'm not saying things in a blunt way, but in an honest way, just the facts. I can make nice and word things delicately, but our existence is at stake. This is our future. We're talking about a historic junction that has profound meaning. These are not just words and I am not exaggerating. That is what I have done, and that is what I will continue to do."

Is the just thing also the right thing to do when dealing with the U.S.? Is it wise to disregard the advice of the American president?

"Who says that I am disregarding the president's advice? I actually listen to his advice very carefully. But I think that when it comes to issues such as these — and generally, in life, I find this to be true in many respects — the just thing is always the right thing. If you do what justice and common sense suggest, it is also the right thing to do. Iran is obviously approaching the threshold of nuclear capability. Unfortunately, things have gotten this far."

The U.S. is in the midst of an election year. There are allegations that you are intervening and impacting the elections. There are those who say that you are putting all your eggs in one basket.

"That is complete nonsense. The only thing guiding me is not the U.S. elections but the centrifuges in Iran. It is not my fault that the centrifuges aren't more considerate of the Americans' political timetable. If the Iranians were to hit the 'pause' button and stop enriching uranium and building a bomb until the end of the elections in the U.S. — then I could wait.

“But they are not waiting. They are progressing. The things that I am saying have to do with events in Iran, not events in the U.S. The desire to stop Iran is common to all Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike. There is no distinction in the desire to stop this thing. It is my duty as the prime minister of Israel, when I see Iran's nuclear program barreling forward, to say the things that I think are necessary to ensure the future of the State of Israel. It has nothing to do with American politics."

What needs to happen for Israel to shift from talk to action?

"I don't think that there is any point in going into that."

How long before Iran reaches the zone of immunity?

"Every day that goes by brings Iran closer to its goal."

Is there a disagreement with the U.S. over that assessment?

"I don't think that there are big gaps in our assessments of the point at which Iran will complete its preparations. The question is when action needs to be taken, not so much in terms of the date, but more in terms of the process: when Iran will reach a point beyond which it will be extremely difficult to stop. Obviously our answer to that question is different from that of the U.S. because there is a difference in our capabilities. But time is running out for the U.S. too."

Are we alone in facing Iran?

"I am doing everything in my power to turn everyone against Iran. We are safeguarding our ability to act on our own in the face of any threat to our security and our future. The entire world is besieging Iran, financially speaking, and we should encourage that.

"A large part of the world has enlisted to the cause and answered our call. There is an international framework to press Iran, but we still can't say that, despite all the real difficulties imposed on Iran's economy, it is stopping Iranian aspirations. I see both sides of the equation, but I'm not satisfied with just one."

When the top echelon of the defense establishment, the former heads of the Mossad and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) and a former IDF chief of staff are all saying that we should not attack Iran at this time, and that we should wait for the U.S., how much weight do their opinions carry?

"I hear all kinds of different voices. I hear people saying that we should wait until the very last minute. But what if the U.S. fails to intervene? That is a question that we have to ask. What about red lines? I ask all these questions in the appropriate forums and in private conversations with our American friends. These are important questions. There is no point in discussing it in public forums."

What about when President Shimon Peres makes those same remarks?

"There are many things that Peres and I agree on, and there are things we disagree on. The State of Israel is not a country that lacks varying opinions. We are a vibrant people and everyone is free to formulate their own opinion. Usually everyone also expresses their own opinion. But the country is run by the prime minister, and the person leading the government and deciding on policy is the prime minister, and that is how it will continue to be."

Is Israel prepared for an attack on the homefront?

"We are living in the missile age, which we entered during the Gulf War. There has been a decades-long gap in preparedness. An entire generation has gone by without proper homefront preparations. I take this issue very seriously, and I hold meetings on homefront preparedness every other week. I am personally involved in the matter. In the same way that I was personally involved in building the fence in Sinai [along the Israeli-Egyptian border], which has stopped infiltrators, thus, here, we are also working methodically.

"We can't protect every point in Israel, but we can protect most of it. One of the things that has made me very happy is the fact that the Iron Dome [missile interceptor system] has become operational. It was a decision I made during my term, and the results have been good.

"But it is important to remember this: You can protect from missiles in one way or another, but there is one thing there is no protection from: the atom bomb. The only thing that can protect us is preventing it from becoming a reality in the hands of the enemy. And, of course, we have to clarify to anyone who ever considers attacking Israel with weapons of mass destruction that he does so at his own peril."

The prime minister sits with a stack of papers written in marker pens containing the main points he feels he needs to communicate during this interview. One of them is the tremendous investment in infrastructure that he initiated: the paving of new roads; new highway interchanges; underground rail tunnels in Jerusalem where a fortune is being invested. But "this the media doesn't really want to hear about it," he says.

"This is a revolution. Listen to me, a revolution," he says. When he goes into detail and gives thorough explanations and presents data outlining the achievements in an organized fashion.

"We have revolutionized education. Free education from the age of three — that means a lot of money to citizens with children that age. They save 800 shekels on average per month, or more. Higher education also got a boost of millions upon millions. We established a new medical school in Safed.

"Meanwhile, we have made huge strides in the health system: free dental care for children until the age of 12; we added 1,000 beds to hospitals. These are accomplishments that we cannot let our nation's short memory erase from the public's awareness.

"I'm not saying that the current reality is devoid of problems or challenges. Obviously the opposite is true. In the last four years we faced two enormous challenges: the global economic crisis and the tremendous regional turmoil. These are things that haven't happened here in nearly 100 years, but they happened now. We managed to maintain an island of stability. Israel is a small country, and it is located in the most unstable region in the world. Its population is greatly varied. There are a lot of challenges, but I find that we are able to do things that the citizens of Israel appreciate. But they don't get any media buzz.

"Contrary to all the media reports, the citizens of Israel rank themselves 14th in the world happiness index. Israel's economy ranks sixth. We are third in innovation and the life expectancy of Israeli men is the third highest among OECD countries. So something does trickle down to the citizens in Israel. I know that it is not always on the media's agenda, but these are real things that are important to promote."

The state comptroller recently submitted a report that deals with the rising cost of food. The report found that when Israel's successive governments removed the price supervision from certain food items, in a centralized market, the prices skyrocketed. Is there any room to consider reinstating oversight over some of the products? What are the appropriate responses to handling the rising cost of living?

"This issue is on a lot of citizens' minds. The treasury officials say that inflation since the beginning of the year is at about 2 percent. So there is no factual basis to this talk of rising costs. It is a feeling, and we must respect the citizens who feel this way. However, there was a drought in America [and] there are the rising oil costs and high food costs that affect not only us but the entire world. When I look at the price comparisons every day in Israel Hayom [which takes one product each day and compares its prices in Israel, Europe and the U.S.] and I see a product that costs 50% more here than it does in the European or American market, I get really angry. I ask, why? Usually, the answer is the absence of competition."

In many OECD countries, differential taxation is customary. Thus, for example, certain dairy products carry a very low sales tax, or none at all. Should we not consider differential taxation here in Israel as well?

"We are considering a long list of measures to counter the rising cost of living. I have a lot of sympathy for the financial difficulties, but it is clear that the citizens of Israel are confronted with the same difficulty as citizens in other countries when it comes to gasoline prices, for example. The same is true of food costs. Israelis are having just as hard a time as citizens of the entire world.

"And still, during the last four years, despite the deepest economic crisis in a century, we have succeeded in maintaining an island of economic growth and job creation. Unemployment in Israel was at 6.5%. Meanwhile, there are countries in Europe where the unemployment rate has hit 25%. We have a more consistent growth rate than almost any other Western country."

In recent weeks, scheduled budget talks were postponed. The Finance Ministry has warned that if the talks aren't held soon, and preparations aren't made, it will be difficult to pass next year's budget. Are we to expect a budget for 2013?

"My goal is to have a budget for 2013. I am currently in talks about it with the heads of the coalition factions. We are still talking about it. We will finish in coming weeks."

What are the cuts planned for next year's budget?

"The cuts we will have to make will be a direct product of the fiscal guideline that determines how much we can spend in relation to the deficit forecast. That's how we operate. But it is important to mention that there are a lot of benefits that have already been approved. Tax breaks for working parents of young children, for example. We also reformed the mobile phone industry, saving consumers hundreds of shekels per month."

But the budget needs to be cut. Estimates suggest a 14 billion shekel ($3.6 billion) cut. How do you make such cuts in what will be an election year?

"Politically speaking, it is not ideal. But in terms of responsibility and the country's needs we are handling this responsibly. Israel is a small country, surrounded by challenges. We live in the most unstable region in the world. There are different sectors here; new immigrants and veteran citizens. But we have managed to do things that the people of Israel appreciate. We've managed to do two things simultaneously: achieve stable security and advance economically and socially. We did this amid two of the most serious ordeals of the century: the Arab Spring and the global economic crisis. It is a fiscal and civil responsibility. These achievements don't obviate all the other things, but they are a good indication that we are doing the right things."

Several businesspeople labeled by the media as "tycoons" have run into some financial trouble recently. Will the government step in and help them?

"I don't like the label 'tycoons.' I don't want to institute policies that counter entrepreneurship and work against businesspeople. I am in favor of competition and I think it is the root of our success. Technological and scientific developments alone cannot propel economies. Soviet Russia was full of scientists and mathematicians. You have to incorporate that power into a dynamic economy that encourages entrepreneurship and business. The last thing I want to do is harm the business sector, because ultimately, it is carrying everything else.

“[However,] I will not accept cartels, because that is the opposite of competition. The opposite of competition is centralized wealth, whether it is governmental or private, that prevents real competition from coming about. Therefore, I do everything in my power to break up the monopolies and the cartels, the way we did in the mobile phone industry and the way will in the food industry. Without a growing economy there is no way to pay for and address security needs. We need a strong economy and to keep all the wheels moving in tandem. We are doing it with our fair share of problems and challenges. When you look at other economies in the world, you see Israel's achievements."

It looks as though housing prices have begun climbing again, despite various government measures. Will there be additional measures to bring housing prices down?

"According to the data I have, housing prices have risen by 1.8% since the beginning of the year. That is far less than in previous years. Prices are too high, in my opinion, and we are working to increase the supply of apartments. The current supply stands at 80,000 units. That is why the sharp price hike has leveled out. But we want more. Opening up the main routes on the highways will help. What was once considered to be in the periphery will no longer be in the periphery. Using the freeway you can get [to central Israel] in a short time and you can afford a house with a yard. You have to leave Gush Dan [central Israel] and then you can see the revolution. Even inside Gush Dan you can see the revolution."

Are there moments of pleasure in your job?

When I'm out on the field meeting soldiers, that is a pleasure. It is a perfect way to recharge. When I met with Gilad Schalit [the soldier abducted by Hamas who was released in October 2011 after five years in captivity], when I congratulated Dan Shechtman [who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011], when I met the delegation coming back from the Paralympics."

"The average wage has gone up," he says. "In what other country has the average wage gone up? Our minimum wage has reached an all-time record too. Do these things eliminate our other problems? No. Do they solve the high cost of gasoline? No. The rising food prices? No. Obviously there are those who will always look at the glass half empty. But deep inside, the public knows that we have handled the economic aspects responsibly and the security issues impressively. We are waging a global campaign against Iran that has produced unprecedented international pressure.

"In addition, there is political stability in Israel that hasn't been seen here for years. My administration is completing almost four years in power. It is no coincidence; it is a direct product of policy and leadership."

You have been blamed for the collapsing communications market: for involvement, or inaction, in saving Channel 10 and the collapse of the Maariv newspaper.

"Funny that no such allegations were made when industrial plants were forced to close down. I don't think that we, as a government, can or should intervene in the communications market. If we do we will be accused of the opposite — people will say that we are controlling the media by providing assistance to this or that media outlet. There is a real problem in the market. It is simply too small to support the number of media outlets that exist. I hope that all the channels and newspapers find a way to survive, but the government can't do everything."

When should we expect general elections?

"Sometime in 2013."

Will there be a 2013 budget?

"If it is up to me, then yes. I am talking to the coalition faction heads and I want to make sure that they are not making demands that will prevent [the budget from going through]. We are not done discussing things, but we will be done in the coming weeks. The possibility of early elections exists, but that is not my goal."

Regardless of what he says, it still appears as though the prime minister is already thinking about elections. In a direct continuation of Israel's struggles with economic and security issues, the prime minister is issuing a clear message to undecided voters deliberating between him and two new political players, whom he does not name, but who are clearly the two former journalists Labor Chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich and Yair Lapid.

"Israel is not a country that is easy to run. Some say that being the prime minister of Israel is the toughest job on earth. Indeed, it is a job that comes with a lot of challenges. To lead this country, to do this difficult job, you need experience and know-how on how to handle the economy. You need financial understanding and the ability to mobilize the international system.

"Personally, I look at my first term as prime minister [1996-1999]. I was the youngest Israeli prime minister, at 46. I had 14 years of experience in the political arena. I was an Israeli envoy in Washington and then the ambassador to the United Nations, then deputy foreign minister and then leader of the opposition.

"During my second term [which began in 2009], I can say that the experience I have amassed since then really changes your perspective and gives you a greater ability to work for the benefit of the citizens of your country. To anyone who aspires to get to this place I say: Get some experience. It is important. It will help you cope."
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=5813

September 14, 2012

G-D Bless and Keep Bibi

Netanyahu: What if the US does not intervene on Iran?

In special interview with Israel Hayom to be published in full on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismisses allegations that his insistence on red lines is impacting U.S. presidential race • Lieberman, Barak criticize PM for public discussion on Iran issue.

Israel must ask itself what will happen if the U.S. fails to take action to stop Iran's nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israel Hayom in a special Rosh Hashanah interview this week.

In the interview, to be published in full on Sunday, Netanyahu addressed recent assessments by top defense officials, who suggested that there is still time before action against Iran becomes necessary. "I hear all those people who say that we should wait until the very last minute. But what if the U.S. doesn't intervene? That is a question we have to ask," he said.

Netanyahu also dismissed allegations that his insistence on red lines, beyond which the U.S. would commit to taking military action against Iran, was impacting the presidential race currently underway in the U.S., saying, "This is nonsense because the issue that is guiding me is not the U.S. elections, but the centrifuges in Iran, and what can I do if the centrifuges in Iran are inconsiderate of the U.S. political timetable? If the Iranians were to hit the 'pause' button and halt their uranium enrichment and bomb preparation until after the elections, I would be able to wait."

In addition, the prime minister explained that the gaps between Washington's and Jerusalem's stances on the Iranian issue revolve "not on a question of dates, but rather on a question of process." Referring to homefront preparedness, Netanyahu said, "You can protect the country from missiles, in one way or another. But there is no protection against atomic bombs. The only way to protect against this is to prevent the creation of such a reality by the enemy, and of course, make it clear to anyone who would ever consider attacking Israel with weapons of mass destruction - do it at your own peril."

Meanwhile, at an event in honor of the New Jewish Year this week, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that any discussion about Iran should be conducted behind closed doors. His comments echoed statements made a day earlier by Defense Minister Ehud Barak who criticized Netanyahu's call for the U.S. to set "red lines" on Iran.

It doesn't matter who holds what opinion: whether you believe we should press on with sanctions, or that sanctions are ineffective; whether you think that we should progress to the next level or not — all the these dialogues and discussions should not be conducted in public and in the media," Lieberman said. "There are enough forums and channels through which information can be exchanged; there is no need for explanations and public debates."

The foreign minister added that "our relations with the U.S. are founded on shared values and a lot of friendship, both diplomatically and personally."

During a tour of southern Israel on Thursday, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro also commented on reportedly strained relations between the two countries. "There is no crisis," he said, adding that both countries have the "closest relations ever" in terms of security and strategic cooperation, and in their common goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Following a recent flurry of criticism voiced against Netanyahu by both Lieberman and Barak, as well as by the American publications The New York Times and The New Yorker, a source close to the prime minister said on Thursday that "Netanyahu's sharp comments about Iran - even if they are not pleasant and seem direct - are necessary to create international pressure against Iran's nuclear program."

According to the source, "the prime minister is prepared to take the criticism. Experience shows that if Netanyahu would not have dared voice sharp remarks on Iran in public from time to time, there would not be this unprecedented international pressure on the Iranians."

The source added that the prime minister believes setting clear red lines on Iran's nuclear armament "is a vital interest to the State of Israel, and so he will continue to demand in a clear voice that the international community set this red line."

Earlier Thursday, the prime minister held a gathering to mark the Jewish new year together with Defense Minister Barak, Israel Defense Forces Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz and members of the General Staff Forum. During the gathering, Netanyahu said, "We live in an explosive and stormy region, and the explosions and storms are increasing. The strength of the IDF has helped ensure that we are an island of stability amidst the storms. From time to time, actions have been necessary and they were carried out with great success. Israeli citizens must know what I know — that we can rely on the IDF. There are those who know how to do the work. I wish the soldiers, commanders and their families a happy, sweet and safe Rosh Hashanah."

MERF

For those who would like to hear me on the radio, I am very pleased to announce that I will be having a weekly appearance on the Middle East Radio Forum, the show is hosted By William Wolf.

The time of the show is 3pm EDT, 12 noon Pacific, 10pm Israel, every Sunday. Please feel free to call in if you have any questions about my weekly comments. If you should happen to miss the show then you can go to the MERF web page and listen to me and other guest in the archives.

Ahmadinejad says enemies destroy Iran's rain clouds

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has accused his country's enemies of enacting a sinister plan to create a drought by somehow destroying the rain clouds before they reach Iran, several Iranian websites reported on Tuesday.

Well-known for his anti-American and anti-Israeli rhetoric, Ahmadinejad has made similar remarks before and last year accused the West of devising a plot to cause drought in the Islamic republic.

"The enemy destroys the clouds that are headed towards our country and this is a war Iran will win," Ahmadinejad said, according to several websites including the BBC's Persian-language site.

Iran has one of the world's driest climates and officials have warned that a severe lack of rainfall in parts of the country has created drought-like conditions.

Ahmadinejad has courted controversy in the past, not least by denying that the Nazi Holocaust – in which six million Jews were killed – ever happened, a stance that drew furious criticism from politicians across the globe.

The Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused the West of hatching plots to undermine Islamic leadership.

Iran is also at odds with the United States and its allies over its disputed nuclear program which the West fears is aimed at developing nuclear weapons. Tehran denies its program has any military dimension.
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4280203,00.html
Say what?

The fact that the world is letting these wack jobs work toward getting a nuke, is beyond belief.

September 13, 2012

Kapo Boxer

Senator slams Netanyahu for interfering in US election
By HILARY LEILA KRIEGER, JPOST CORRESPONDENT
14/09/2012
Democratic Senator Boxer, who describes herself as “one of Israel’s staunchest supporters in Congress,” writes letter to Netanyahu expressing "deep disappointment" over his questioning of US support for Israel.

WASHINGTON – Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s comments on Iran have triggered a backlash among some in Washington and the American media this week, as he was slammed for undermining Israel’s closest ally and trying to influence American politics.

In an unusual public display of criticism from an influential member of the US Senate, California Democrat Barbara Boxer wrote a letter to Netanyahu Wednesday to express “my deep disappointment over your remarks that call into question our country’s support for Israel.” She went on to describe them as “utterly contrary to the extraordinary United States- Israel alliance.”

On Tuesday, Netanyahu – in response to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s statement that the US wasn’t setting deadlines for Iran – said, “Those in the international community who refuse to put deadlines in front of Iran do not have the moral right to put a red light before Israel.”

Boxer’s letter, made public, calls on Netanyahu to “step back and clarify your remarks so that the world sees that there is no daylight between the United States and Israel.”

The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the letter.

Boxer, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a regular at pro-Israel events, described herself in the letter as “one of Israel’s staunchest supporters in Congress.”

Click here for special JPost coverage

One Washington-based official with a Jewish group said it was “extremely unusual” for a senator so close to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee “to so vehemently and so publicly criticize Netanyahu.”

Several senior figures in the US media this week also took on Netanyahu more directly for interfering in the US election.

Joe Klein of Time called Netanyahu’s recent behavior “outrageous,” as well as “an unprecedented attempt by a putative American ally to influence a US presidential campaign.”

Similarly, David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, wrote that “Netanyahu seems determined, more than ever, to alienate the president of the United States and, as an ally of Mitt Romney’s campaign, to make himself a factor in the 2012 election.”

Though Remnick and Klein were addressing Netanyahu’s actions on Iran, the charge that Netanyahu was interfering in the presidential race intensified when Israeli officials on Tuesday afternoon leaked that a request to meet with Obama during the prime minister’s visit to the US at the end of the month had been turned down.

The White House later denied that a request for a meeting had been made, or that such a request had been rejected.

Whether or not it was Netanyahu’s intention to enter the American political fray, the dispute quickly took on political dimensions, with Obama’s presidential challenger weighing in.

“I stand with our friends in Israel. I stand with our allies,” Romney said Wednesday in Florida, according to ABC News. “I can’t ever imagine, if the prime minister of Israel asked to meet with me, I can’t ever imagine saying no.

“They’re our friends, they’re our closest allies in the Middle East.”
http://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=285067
This is going to be the hardest thing I have ever written.

Kapo Boxer, you are an evil self hating Jew.

That you should put your political interest, ahead of your Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel. Makes me feel ill, you would have worked together with the Nazi's against your fellow Jews in the death camps.

You are so evil, so self centered, that you are willing to risk the lives of my children and family, so that Obama can get a second term.

Contested Hebron belongs to settlers, court rules

Israeli security forces enter and forcibly evict some 250 settlers and their supporters from a disputed building in the West Bank city of Hebron in December 2008, about three weeks after the High Court of Justice ordered its immediate evacuation. (Miriam Alster/Flash 90)
Israeli security forces enter and forcibly evict some 250 settlers and their supporters from a disputed building in the West Bank city of Hebron in December 2008, about three weeks after the High Court of Justice ordered its immediate evacuation.

The sale to settlers of a Hebron house known as Beit Hameriva, or “house of contention,” was ruled legal by the Jerusalem District Court on Thursday.

The court ruled that the building, located on the main road between Hebron and Kiryat Arba, would be handed over to the settlers within 30 days.

Following the ruling, Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who also serves as chairman of the recently-established Ministerial Committee on Settlement Affairs, urged Defense Minister Ehud Barak to approve the sale and enable the Jewish settlers to return to the building which was purchased “by law.”

The building was originally purchased from its Palestinian owners by the Tal construction company in 2007. Ownership was then transferred to the local Jewish community.

The sale was disputed in the High Court, and in late 2008 the IDF evacuated settlers who had moved into the house.
Israeli security forces evict settlers and their supporters from Beit Hameriva in 2008.

At the time, the High Court ruled the settlers did not have a solid claim to the four-story building. The evacuation caused riots in which two Palestinians were injured.

The contested building in Hebron is just one in a series of buildings that Israeli residents in the area have claimed ownership for. Settlers have been attempting to purchase property in Hebron for several years; many of the purchases have been contested in court.

AP contributed to this report.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/contested-hebron-belongs-to-settlers-court-rules/
So why not let the case go through the court system before you throw Jews from their legal homes?

Israel has always been in a hurry to throw Jews off their property, how about we throw Arabs off the state land that thousands are squatting on?

September 12, 2012

No time for Netanyahu – Obama's doing Letterman

White House says US president, Israeli PM won't be meeting over 'conflicting schedules' but reports claim Obama will be guest on late show instead
Ynet

How did US President Barack Obama find the time to meet with David Letterman on the exact day he announced that his tight schedule would not allow him to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?

According to a report in the National Journal Obama will be a guest on “The Late Show with David Letterman” during a trip to New York on September 18 – the exact time he could have met with Netanyahu who will be visiting New York for the UN General Assembly.

Earlier on Tuesday, the White House said the meeting would not be possible over the two leader's conflicting schedules. But later the white house denied reports that Obama had refused to meet Netanyahu in New York on the sidelines of the UN's General Assembly

"Contrary to reports in the press, there was never a request for Prime Minister Netanyahu to meet with President Obama in Washington, nor was a request for a meeting ever denied," the statement said.

Letterman is a fan of the US president, often sparing him from his stinging monologues, preferring to his opponents especially Mitt Romney and former US President George W. Bush.

The guest appearance next week will be Obama's second during his term in office. In total the US president visited the show five times and was the first president in office to be a guest on the late show.
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4280699,00.html
Let see Obama snubs Israel on 9-11, and on the same day American embassies get taken over in Egypt, and Libya.

September 11, 2012

White House Rejects Meeting With Netanyahu

The White House said that there was 'no time for a meeting between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Barack H. Obama.
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By David Lev
First Publish: 9/11/2012, 10:31 PM

The White House told Israel Tuesday that there would be no meeting later this month between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Barack H. Obama. The two had been set to meet in the days after both Obama and Netanyahu spoke at the UN General Assembly, but on Tuesday, Israeli officials said that the meeting had been canceled altogether by Obama, due to “schedule issues.”

A tentative meeting had been set for Thursday or Friday September 27 or 28, after both leaders spoke at the UN. Obama was scheduled to speak on Tuesday, September 18, while Netanyahu was likely to speak on Thursday – a day after Yom Kippur, when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinajad ws set to speak. Netanyahu's office had sent a message to the White House indicating that the Prime Minister wanted to meet Obama, and that he was prepared to travel to Washington to do so, since he understood that the President had a tough campaigning schedule in advance of the Presidential elections.

This will mark the first time that Netanyahu will be on U.S. soil and will not meet with Obama. The rejection of the meeting comes scant weeks before the U.S. Presidential elections. Polls show Obama running roughly evenly with his challenger, Governor Mitt Romney.

The rejection of a meeting by the White House comes after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's rebuffing of comments by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, that the U.S. would not set any 'red lines' for Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Netanyahu, speaking at a press conference with visiting Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, said that “those in the international community who refuse to place red lines before Iran have no moral right to place a red line before Israel. If Iran knows that there are no red lines or deadlines, what will it do? Exactly what it does today – continuing to work to acquire a nuclear weapon without and interference. The world tells Israel to wait because there is time, and I ask, 'Wait for what?'

Defense Minister Ehud Barak sought to soften the Prime Minister's comments. Barak said that Israel “must not forget that the U.S. is Israel's chief ally. The U.S. and Israel have intimate intelligence relations, and the U.S. is Israel's main supporter in security matters.” He added that the U.S. and Israel have a friendship “based on many years of friendship and shared values between Israel and the American people. Despite the differences, and Israel's freedom to act in a manner to defend itself, we must remember the importance of our relationship with the U.S., and that it must not be harmed,” Barak said.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/159878#.UE-beK7hfsM
Jews, wake up don't vote for Obama.

Libya Gunmen Attack U.S. Consulate In Benghazi Over U.S. Film

Libya Gunmen Attack U.S. Consulate In Benghazi Over U.S. Film
By ESAM MOHAMED 09/11/12 05:15 PM ET AP

TRIPOLI, Libya -- A Libyan Interior Ministry official says armed men have stormed the US consulate in east Libya's Benghazi and set it ablaze after a protest against a video deemed insulting to Islam's prophet, Muhammad, which was reportedly produced in America.
Witnesses say Tuesday's attack left much of the consulate burned. It came hours after ultraconservative Islamist demonstrators in Egypt climbed the walls of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo to protest the film.
Wanis al-Sharef, an interior ministry official in Benghazi, says the attackers stormed the consulate after firing in the air. He says nobody was in the consulate at the time.
I can't say, what I am thinking.

Oh what, the heck.

Hey Obama, how about some drone strikes on the crowd?

Or can you only use drones to murder Americans in Yemen, or to hit weddings in Pakistan.

U.S. Embassy Condemns Religious Incitement

September 11, 2012

The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others

http://egypt.usembassy.gov/pr091112.html
We wonder why we keep getting abused, because we have become a nation of wimps.

Enough Said

Egyptian Rioters Attempt to Invade US Embassy in Cairo
Egyptian rioters attempted to invade the U.S. Embassy in Cairo Tuesday, tearing down the American flag and burning it.
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By David Lev
First Publish: 9/11/2012, 8:34 PM

On the anniversary of the September 11 Al-Qaeda attacks on the U.S. that killed some 3,000 people in 2001, Egyptian rioters attempted to invade the U.S. Embassy in Cairo Tuesday, tearing down the American flag and burning it. At least 2,000 people stood at the foot of the walls surrounding the embassy as about 20 of the rioters scaled the walls. Rioters also drew anti-American graffiti on the wall and demanded that the United States end its presence in Egypt. U.S. soldiers prevented the rioters from entering the Embassy compound. Witnesses said that Egyptian police at the scene did litttle to stop the rioters' advance to the Embassy walls, which are usually cordoned off.

The object of the rioters' wrath was the rumor that a U.S. group was planning a movie that would depict the history of early Islam, and the plundering and war committed by Mohammed, the creator of Islam. A Reuters reporter on the scene was unable to ascertain which movie the rioters were targeting, but several web Arabic web sites referred to a U.S. site that claimed that a group in Florida was planning an “International Judge Mohammad Day,” with Mohammed being put on trial for his crimes, live over the Internet.

The U.S. condemned the rioting. In a statement, the Embassy said that “respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy,” and that it condemned the “misguided actions” of individuals who disrespected Islam.

Last year, during the height of protests against former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, rioters invaded the Israeli embassy in Cairo, with several Embassy in mortal danger as rioters trashed the offices and threw furniture and equipment out windows. Seventy three Egyptians were convicted of rioting in that incident, but all received a suspended sentence.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/159875#.UE9XAa7hfsM

WASHINGTON - The United States on Monday rebuffed a bid by Israel to convince it to declare "red lines" that Iran must not cross if it is to avoid international action over its nuclear program.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters that, while US President Barack Obama "has said unequivocally he will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon," the idea of deadlines or red lines was "not useful."

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Jerusalem is in talks with Washington about laying down a clear threshold for action over Iran's nuclear program.

"Iran will not stop unless it sees clear determination by the democratic countries of the world and a clear red line," Netanyahu told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

But the State Department distanced Washington from the Israeli stance, which would be seen by many as locking the United States and Iran into a logic of confrontation that could quickly escalate into military action.

"The American people know that the president has said unequivocally he will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon," Nuland said.

"So, you know, we are absolutely firm about the president's commitment here, but it is not useful to be parsing it, to be setting deadlines one way or the other, red lines," she said, promising "intensive consultations with Israel."

Not setting any deadlines

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had earlier played down talk of imposing a timetable on Iran.

"I think we've maintained a steady course of our two-pronged policy," Clinton told Bloomberg radio Sunday at the end of a trip to Asia.

"We have always said every option was on the table, but we believe in the negotiation, the diplomatic effort through the P5+1, but also pressure," she added in the remarks released Monday.

Washington and Western nations accuse Iran of seeking a nuclear weapons capability under the guise of a civilian program. Tehran denies the charges.

Clinton said tight sanctions imposed on Iran were having an effect, and that the group of nations leading negotiations would continue working on the issue even though negotiations with Tehran have ground to a halt.

The group comprises the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, and the European Union.

It will meet in New York in the coming weeks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Clinton said.

"We're not setting deadlines. We're watching very carefully about what they do, because it's always been more about their actions and their words," she said, in an interview given in Vladivostok during Asia-Pacific talks.

"So, you know, we are absolutely firm about the president's commitment here, but it is not useful to be parsing it, to be setting deadlines one way or the other, red lines," she said, promising "intensive consultations with Israel."
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4279698,00.html
Let's be blunt, talk is cheap and we saw last week at the democratic convention how honest they are.

Talk is cheap.

Actions speak louder, than all the lies that come from D.C..

If Obama was anything other than a liar, he would impose a blockage on Iran.

J'lem officials slam Clinton's 'deadline' remark

J'lem officials slam Clinton's 'deadline' remark

State sources say US' refusal to set deadline for Iran could spur its pursuit of atom bomb
Attila Somfalvi

Taking a jab at US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's recent statements on Iran, officials in Jerusalem asserted on Monday that a failure to set a deadline for Tehran's nuclear program is counterproductive.

In an interview with Bloomberg Radio on Sunday, Clinton said that the US is "not setting deadlines" for Iran and still considers negotiations as "by far the best approach" to prevent the Islamic Republic from developing nuclear weapons.

"These kinds of statements won't stop Iran's centrifuges, and could have the opposite effect," one top state official said, suggesting that instead of deterring Tehran's nuclear ambitions, Clinton's assertion could spur its pursuit of an atom bomb.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said that Jerusalem and Washington are in talks over the "red lines" that need to be established to pressure Iran.

Speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the Israeli leader said Iran "will not stop unless it sees clear determination by the democratic countries of the world and a clear red line.

"I don't think that they see a clear red line, and I think the sooner we establish one, the greater the chances that we won't need other types of action," he argued.

Clinton, meanwhile, said Israel is "more anxious about a quick response because they feel that they’re right in the bull’s-eye, so to speak, but we’re convinced that we have more time to focus on these sanctions, to do everything we can to bring Iran to a good-faith negotiation."

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland on Monday further rebuffed Israel's bid to convince the US to declare "red lines" that Iran must not cross.

While US President Barack Obama "has said unequivocally he will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon," the idea of deadlines or red lines was "not useful," she said.

"So, you know, we are absolutely firm about the president's commitment here, but it is not useful to be parsing it, to be setting deadlines one way or the other, red lines," she said, promising "intensive consultations with Israel."

Over the past week it appeared as though both the prime minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak made attempts to soften the rhetoric that pertains to a strike on Iran, evidently in order to allow the US and the international community an opportunity to step up pressure on the Islamic Republic.

"It is our responsibility as the political echelon to delay any wars that can be delayed," Barak said on Monday evening.

Yitzhak Benhoring contributed to the report from Washington
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4279670,00.html
I have to wonder being very Machiavellian, if America is trying to force Israel into a war?

A war that could have potential ramifications up to and including economic boycott of Israel.

A war that may have Hezbollah firing 10,000 or more rockets into Israel with Hamas doing the same from Gaza.

Israel will solve the problem by ourselves just as we did with Syria and Iraq.

Alone

New Yorker exposé sheds light on Mossad intel gathering that led to bombing of Al Kibar nuclear plant; claims US felt it 'didn’t have enough evidence to justify preemptive strike'
Ynet

In March, 2007 Mossad agents raided the Vienna home of Ibrahim Othman, the head of the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission amid US and Israeli concerns over Syria's nuclear program. The information the operatives recovered was damning: Roughly three dozen color photographs taken from inside a building under construction in the desert of northeastern Syria indicated that it was a top-secret plutonium nuclear reactor.

According to an exposé by The New Yorker's David Makovsky, the photographs showed workers from North Korea at the facility, and the reactor, from the inside, had "many of the same engineering elements as the North Korean reactor in Yongbyon."

In the days after the discovery of the Syrian site, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert "began hosting important meetings at his official residence, on Balfour Street," Makovsky wrote.

In April, the article said, the White House was informed about the discovery. The Bush Administration felt that it "didn’t have enough evidence to justify a preemptive strike on the Al Kibar reactor, and so the Israelis began preparations for an attack on their own. The IDF, the Mossad, and the Foreign Ministry all favored a low-signature attack on the reactor.

"Just before midnight on September 5, 2007, four F-15s and four F-16s took off from Israeli Air Force bases. Using standard electronic scrambling tools, the Israelis blinded Syria’s air-defense system. Sometime between 12:40 and 12:53 am, the pilots indicated that 17 tons of explosives had been dropped on their target," according to the article.

Israel has never admitted to attacking the reactor.
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4279387,00.html
The key lesson here, is Israel asked America and America refused to get involved.

Remember the President that refused to get involved, was a Republican.

September 09, 2012

Amen

Rabbis to pray at Western Wall to 'thwart enemy plans'

The service, to be held Monday night by religious Zionist rabbis and laymen, will be dedicated to "canceling" enemy plans, "including those of the tyrannical Iranian leader" • Service to include traditional penitential prayers.
Yehuda Shlezinger

Jews praying at the Western Wall. Rabbis will pray for heavenly help against Israel's enemies at the wall on Monday night.

Rabbis of the Religious Zionist (Modern Orthodox) sector will gather at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Monday night for a special prayer service dedicated to "canceling our enemy's thoughts, including those of the tyrannical Iranian leader."

The service is scheduled to include the traditional Selichot (forgiveness) prayers recited by Jews every year before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year.

Last month, Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef called for Jews to pray during the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday for the destruction of Israel's enemies, mainly Iran and Hezbollah. “When we say the blessing over the dates, and we ask to ‘bring an end to our enemies,’ we should be thinking about Iranian rulers, those evil ones who threaten Israel. May the Lord destroy and kill them," Yosef was quoted as saying during a weekly address.

Yosef said worshippers should direct their thoughts toward Israel's enemies during Rosh Hashanah. "We have Hezbollah and we have Iran," Yosef was quoted as saying. "May the Lord, blessed be He, eliminate them from the face of the earth."
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=5731

September 07, 2012

MERF

For those who would like to hear me on the radio, I am very pleased to announce that I will be having a weekly appearance on the Middle East Radio Forum, the show is hosted By William Wolf.

The time of the show is 3pm EDT, 12 noon Pacific, 10pm Israel, every Sunday. Please feel free to call in if you have any questions about my weekly comments. If you should happen to miss the show then you can go to the MERF web page and listen to me and other guest in the archives.

US congressman confirms high-level US-Israel spat over Iran

Republican Congressman Mike Rogers: "Right now the Israelis don't believe that this administration is serious when they say all options are on the table, and more importantly neither do the Iranians. That's why the program is progressing."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blew up at U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro last month because he was his "at wits' end" over what he views as the Obama administration's lack of clarity on Iran's nuclear program, a U.S. congressman present at the meeting said.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R - MI) made his first public comments about the late August meeting in Israel in an interview with Michigan's WJR radio on Tuesday.

Continued controversy over the meeting comes as President Barack Obama on Thursday night accepted his party's nomination at the Democratic National Convention, where the level of the Obama administration's support for Israel was a topic on the agenda.

"Right now the Israelis don't believe that this administration is serious when they say all options are on the table, and more importantly neither do the Iranians. That's why the program is progressing," Rogers said.

Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes.

Israel is facing growing international pressure not to unilaterally attack Iran's nuclear infrastructure and the U.S. has made clear it opposes any such strike.

Rogers said if the U.S. does not show Israel more clarity on where it draws "red lines" on Iran's nuclear program, then Israel might conduct a strike.

"If I were betting my house today, I would guess that they probably will do it if we don't have a change in more clear red lines from the United States," he said.

A spokesman for Israel's embassy in Washington declined to comment. The State Department would not comment on private diplomatic meetings but spokesman Edgar Vasquez said, "We have a rock solid relationship and an ironclad commitment to Israel."

The spat between Netanyahu and Shapiro appears to confirm a deep chasm behind the scenes over how to deal with Iran, which the two allies have tried to play down publicly.

Obama has vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, but says there is still time for sanctions and diplomacy to work. The White House says it has brokered international oil and banking sanctions that are far tougher on Iran than previous administrations achieved.

The original purpose of the meeting was for Netanyahu and Rogers to discuss intelligence cooperation and other matters. But it "devolved" into a sharp exchange in which Netanyahu confronted Shapiro with a lot of frustration about the lack of clarity on the administration's position on Iran's nuclear program, Rogers said.

"The uncertainty about where the United States' position is on those questions has created lots of problems and anxiety that I think doesn't serve the world well and doesn't serve peace well," Rogers said.

In an interview with an Israeli television station on Sunday, Shapiro dismissed an Israeli newspaper account of the heated closed-door exchange as "a very silly story" that did not reflect what actually happened in the meeting where the conversations were "friendly and professional." Netanyahu has not commented on the exchange, which was first reported by the daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

Israel has its own undeclared nuclear arsenal that is believed to contain as many as 200 warheads.

Rogers said the Israeli and U.S. timelines differed on how quickly Iran could put a nuclear weapon on a missile, if it decided to move in that direction.

Netanyahu believes "if they decide to do the dash it could be four weeks to eight weeks," while U.S. intelligence analysts believe it would "take a little longer than that," Rogers said. "But the problem is nobody really knows for sure."
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=5713
I am going to say something that will shock everyone.

A part of me, a very small part of me I will admit, wonders if in the long run it might be better for Israel to have Obama win.

Israel is tied way to close to America, and we need to create distance.

But the situation with Iran, is the most important thing right now.

Dealing with Iran would be easier as a partner with the USA.

In order to have this partnership, we need a regime change in the White House.

But time has run out for Israel and the world, Iran will have enough enriched uranium by the end of October to make a bomb.

Israel thinks it will take a month to 2 months after that to get a war head on a missile.

PA slams Democratic Party for revising platform on Jerusalem

Palestinians say u-turn on Jerusalem is "election propaganda" to win over Jews • Top ally to President Barack Obama admits Democrats erred when they omitted reference to Jerusalem • Platform makes no mention of stance on Hamas, which denies Israel's right to exist.
Boaz Bismuth, News Agencies and Israel Hayom Staff

Delegates at the Democratic national convention approved President Obama's request to revert to the old language on Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The Palestinian Authority on Thursday condemned the U.S. Democratic Party's decision to re-state their commitment to Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Nabil Abu Rdeneh, an aide to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, called the Democrats' decision "election propaganda" to win over the Jewish vote. He said a failure to recognize the Palestinian claim to east Jerusalem will "destroy the peace process" and lead to "endless war."

The original Democratic Party platform introduced earlier this week made no mention of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The omission drew widespread criticism and led U.S. President Barack Obama to order the clause restored.
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=5716

September 06, 2012

Light and Dark

Meir Soloveichik vs. David Wolpe: Two rabbis, two parties, two political philosophies
God, liberty and the role of government feature prominently — but very differently — in invocations to Democrats and Republicans
By Daniel Treiman September 7, 2012, 1:48 am 2

CHARLOTTE, North Caroline (JTA) — Republicans and Democrats may not have much common ground this election year, yet their national conventions shared one feature: Both gatherings were blessed from the podium by prominent American rabbis.

The Democrats had Rabbi David Wolpe, a best-selling author and leader of a prominent (capital-c) Conservative synagogue in Los Angeles. The Republicans had Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, a rising star within Modern Orthodoxy and a regular contributor to (small-c) conservative publications.

But beyond the kipot that they both wore on their heads and the Hebrew sprinkled through their addresses, the rabbis used their remarks to highlight very different themes. Indeed, each of their blessings spoke powerfully to the contrasting political ideologies of the parties that they were addressing.

Soloveichik, in his invocation to open the first full day of the hurricane-delayed Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., invoked themes that resonate deeply with Republicans — freedom, liberty, faith.

“We Americans unite faith and freedom in asserting that our liberties are Your gift, God, not that of government, and that we are endowed with these rights by You, our Creator, not by mortal man,” said Soloveichik, who has made common cause with religious conservatives on issues such as abortion.
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik gives an invocation to begin the first full day of activities at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 28, 2012. (Republican National Convention)

Rabbi Meir Soloveichik gives an invocation to begin the first full day of activities at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 28, 2012. (Republican National Convention)

His reference to the primacy of God over government, and the notion that our rights are derived from the former rather than the latter, garnered applause from the delegates at the convention, where many speakers went on to assail what they see as President Obama’s trespasses against religious liberty. Among the main sources of ire is the administration’s application of the health care reform law’s birth control coverage mandate to employees of religious-affiliated institutions — a policy that Soloveichik himself had testified against before Congress.

More broadly, the finitude of government’s rightful purview is an animating theme of conservative politics and a notion that Republicans think Democrats do not get. (Though when it comes to civil liberties and abortion rights, many Democrats would say the same about their GOP opponents.) Republicans lambasted a video shown at the Demoratic convention asserting that “Government is the only thing that we all belong to. We have different churches, different clubs, but we’re together as a part of our city or our county or our state.” Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney responded on Twitter: “We don’t belong to government, the government belongs to us.”

In his closing exhortation, Soloveichik hinted at the notion popular among conservatives that we are in danger of losing, and must recover, a proper understanding of liberty.

“And help all of us as Americans renew our dedication to the principle of God-gifted liberty, so America can remain a beacon of faith and freedom for generations to come,” he said.

Wolpe — in addition to working in a sly reference to Jerusalem, the Democratic convention’s topic du jour — had a different focus in his benediction late Wednesday night in Charlotte.

Speaking to a largely empty convention hall after the roll call vote to renominate Obama, Wolpe acknowledged that America is “founded on the highest principles of freedom and resourcefulness and creativity and ever-renewed strength.” But individual freedom, for him, is not the sum total of America’s mission.

Indeed, Wolpe immediately added, “And we understand that those worthy ideals stand alongside the commitment to compassion, to goodness, our sacred covenant to care for those who are bereaved and bereft, who are frightened, who are hungry, who are bewildered and lost, who seek shelter from the cold.”

Our responsibilities are not only to ourselves, he suggested, and similarly our nation has obligations to the world as both a refuge and an example.

“As your prophet Isaiah has taught us, ‘Shiftu yatom, rivuh almanah,’ defend the orphan and fight on behalf of the widow,” he said. “We know that our lamp is lifted not only to illuminate our way but to serve as a beacon to others that here, this land, is a place where the dreams of a weary world flourish and endure.” (Soloveichik had referred not dissimilarly to America’s calling as “a beacon of freedom to the world, and an ally of free countries like the State of Israel, an island of liberty, democracy and hope.”)

Democrats, of course, have railed against the philosophy of hyper-individualism that they see as reflected in Rep. Paul Ryan’s admiration for Ayn Rand and as embodied in Republican budget proposals. Former President Bill Clinton in his Democratic convention address painted this election as a choice between “a winner-take-all, you’re-on-your-own society” and “a country of shared opportunities and shared responsibility.”

While eschewing any overt partisanship, Wolpe in his benediction made a similar distinction, noting the importance of community and hinting at the vulnerability of the lonely individual.

“You have taught us that we must count on one another, that our country is strong through community, and that the children of Israel, on the way to that sanctified and cherished land, and ultimately to that golden and capital city of Jerusalem, that those children of Israel did not walk through the wilderness alone.”

Liberty and community — the tensions between these values have long animated American politics and become pitched battle lines in the current elections. And they provided two rabbis with very different themes for their addresses to two very different parties.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/meir-soloveichik-vs-david-wolpe-two-rabbis-two-parties-two-political-philosophies/
Just as light and dark, have nothing in common.

The two political parties really have nothing in common.

The Republicans, however are prone to forget who they are supposed to be and want to be wimps rather than hero's.

Where the democrats are true to what they are, anti Israel socialist.

When the dems showed their true colors leaving out Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and any reference to G-D.

Then when they got caught at it, they showed their truer colors by lying and cheating on the vote.

I don't know who got stabbed in the back more us Jews when they left Jerusalem out.

Or the Arabs that know it was not added to the platform in the floor vote. But was added by lying and cheating.

Migron: Officer urged cops to 'kill' settlers

The eviction of the Migron residents last week appeared to have gone by without any major incidents, but video captured during the police operation showed otherwise. A senior officer was caught on tape as he goaded cops to act violently towards a group of young settlers who refused to vacate the West Bank outpost, and threatened to "kill" them.

The eviction operation went largely without resistance, save for the young activists who locked themselves in caravans, and in one instance climbed on top of a mobile home. The police waited until all the homes were cleared before placing ladders against the trailer in order to bring down the teens, who belong to the Hilltop Youth movement.

Commander Boaz Goldberg, who serves as a coordination officer at a police unit that oversees law enforcement operations, was heard repeatedly shouting "kill them," referring to activists who refused to come down.

"Get up there and kill them, get them down here so we can kill them," the officer screamed over and over, before telling one teen: "You're dead. You will die."

Another cop is heard telling one of the youths that he's lucky he's being videotaped, suggesting that he would have been treated in a rougher manner if cameras weren't around.

The inappropriate conduct was condemned by rightist groups, and the Yesha Human Rights Organization lodged a complaint against Goldberg with the Police Internal Investigations Department. The group stressed that the teens did not act violently and never put the officers in any danger.

The Shai District Police noted that the activists poured water and oil from the roof of the trailer, and that no one was injured during the event. Nevertheless, it said it would look into any complaints that are filed.
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4278331,00.html
Commander Boaz Goldberg, needs to be demoted or even better fired for these calls if the charges are true.

But I also condemn the settler kids, as well as the whole settler movement.

We must not tolerate this kind of behavior from either side.

The settlers were silent when they should have acted, which was to stop the Gaza retreat. Every settler, every religious Jew that supports Jews living in all our land should have surrounded Gaza with 500,000 - 1,000,000 Jews to stop the IDF and police from entering Gaza to throw Jews from their homes.

Israel to pay NIS 875,000 to family of Abu Jariban

By JPOST.COM STAFF
06/09/2012
State reaches settlement deal with family of Palestinian man who was injured and left to die by police in 2008.

Israel agreed to pay NIS 875,000 in compensation on Thursday to the family of Abu Jariban, an injured Palestinian man who was left by police officers to die on the side of a road in 2008, Channel 10 reported.

Under a settlement agreement, the State agreed to pay the compensation in the name of the two police officers who left Jariban to die, and in the name of the Tel Hashomer hospital, which released Jariban while he was still in serious medical condition.

Jariban had been seriously injured in a car accident on May 28, 2008 while driving a stolen car. He had been in Israel illegally.

In May, the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court convicted two police officers, Baruch Peretz and Assaf Yakutieli, of negligent homicide for leaving Jariban to die.

Jariban was initially hospitalized, following which he was released into police custody. But he still required medical attention and rehabilitation. Although there was an attempt to admit Jariban to an Israel Prison Service medical facility, since the facility was full, the officers decided to leave him by the road-side.
http://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=284120
This is great.

These two police officers did an evil thing, they are in jail or soon will be.

Oh No the DNC Does NOT Support Israel!

Posted by Tami J on Sep 5, 2012 in Featured, Politics | 0 comments
Oh No the DNC Does NOT Support Israel!

Tuesday afternoon former Congressman Robert Wexler strode out on the DNC Convention stage as Gary Glitter’s Rock and Roll Part 2 pumped up the smallish 20K crowd. With almost no introductory words, Wexler dove into the reason for his appearance as Obama’s Jewish advocate, “Four years ago I stood at the convention podium in Denver, affirming Barack Obama’s heartfelt, steadfast commitment to the state of Israel. Over the past 4 years, the president has proven this commitment time and again, in both word and deed.”

What? He has? Funny, I don’t remember any trips to Israel? Here’s an excerpt from my July 30th article, “A Tale of Two Visits“, published at Red Pill Report:

First, we should remember that Obama prefaced the May 2011 visit with an extraordinarily arrogant assertion that Israel, in a move toward peace with Palestine, should recognize and return to the pre-1967 borders. Friends of Israel in America and around the world responded with incredulity and anger. Following such an ill-conceived and imperious speech, I was not at all surprised to see this chilly photo emerge (right: Benjamin Netanyahu and President Obama).

At this critical time, just over 3 months ’till the presidential election, all those pro-Israel and Jewish voters should take the time to remember that Obama, in his 1st term found the opportunity to visit some 32 different countries on 47 trips. However, the one very important country and long-time ally not visited? Israel. We should remember that Obama purposely bowed to Saudi King Abdullah, told outgoing Russian president Dmitry Medvedev that Vladimir Putin should give him more space until after the election, and foolishly proclaimed that Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez was no special security threat!

None of those actions remotely resemble “steadfast, heartfelt support”! Wexler continues, “And the Democratic party platform reflects the president’s unflinching commitment to Israel’s security and future as a Jewish state.”

Security? One wonders what in the world Wexler is talking about? Again citing my July 30th piece:

“…Obama prefaced the May 2011 visit with an extraordinarily arrogant assertion that Israel, in a move toward peace with Palestine, should recognize and return to the pre-1967 borders.”

Those pre-1967 borders would leave a vulnerable Israel. On Thursday, May 18th, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scoffed at Obama’s proposal as “militarily indefensible” and stated “…such a withdrawal would jeopardize Israel’s security and leave major West Bank settlements outside Israeli borders.” Bibi immediately recognized the threat to Israel’s security should his country revert to the pre-1967 6 days war boundaries.

Secretary of State Henry Kissenger has weighed in, “…that Israel needs defensible borders and that Israel must not be pressured to withdraw to the 1967 lines.” Deceased Israeli statesman and general, Yitzhak Rabin pronounced in his last appearance in the Knesset, ”We will not return to the lines of June 4, 1967 – the security border for defending the State of Israel will be in the Jordan Valley, in the widest sense of that concept.” In 1980 he determined: “Our evacuation of the West Bank would create the greatest threat we can possibly face.”

Additionally, Mordechai Gur, when Chief of Staff for the IDF, “told Newsweek in May 1978 that as a military man he had no doubt that to defend Israel it was necessary to remain in the high ground of the mountains of Judea and Samaria – from Hebron to Nablus. He also explained that Israel needed to remain in the Jordan Valley.”

Robert Wexler praised Obama’s dealings with the middle east “Not only has he stood up to Iran, he has also bravely stood up for Israel in the international community!” Whatever the president has done, it has been insufficient to persuade Iran of the foolhardiness of continued nuclear weapons development. In fact, an August 30th New York Times piece reports, “For Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday offered findings validating his longstanding position that while harsh economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation may have hurt Iran, they have failed to slow Tehran’s nuclear program. If anything, the program is speeding up.”

A fine July 29th Hot Air article by Erika Johnson, Netanyahu: Obama’s sanctions haven’t hindered Iran by “one iota”, illuminates the well-deserved tepid relations between Netanyahu and Obama. So Wexler can wax eloquent and plead Obama’s case as a defender of Israel, but those of us paying attention are not buying the rhetoric.

As Wexler concluded his speech, the cameras panned the crowd, none of whom seemed to be listening and most of whom were all but drowning out his words with their conversations. Mr. Wexler ended, “Now is the time to support Israel as a thriving, democratic, and secure homeland for the Jewish people by re-electing Barack Obama as president of the United States!” And as if to mock his hollow words, the camera stopped twice on an uplifted sign with the words “Arab American Democrat”.

To quote a great friend and contributor of the Hugh Hewitt Radio Show, Yoni, “With Friends like Obama, I almost miss the good old enemies like Arafat.”

Reiterating my July article: “I hope every voter in America, and in particular every voter concerned with the future security of Israel and America’s unwavering commitment of friendship and steadfast support for that state, is listening and watching! We must choose between 2 disparate candidates: either an incumbent who has emboldened America’s and Israel’s enemies, or a candidate who believes in a bold and exceptional America–an America that supports in every way its long-standing allies. The choice could not be more clear: Obama who habitually apologizes for America and insults Israel, or Romney who proudly proclaims America’s greatness and admires the democratic values and true friendship of Israel. Here’s hoping all voters will choose the latter!”

Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude exporter, risks becoming an oil
importer in the next 20 years, according to Citigroup.

Oil and its derivatives are used for about half of the kingdom’s electricity
production, which at peak rates is growing at about 8% a year, the bank said
yesterday in a an e-mailed report. A quarter of the country’s fuel
production is used domestically, more per capita than other industrialized
nations, as the cost is subsidized, according to the note.

“If Saudi Arabian oil consumption grows in line with peak power demand, the
country could be a net oil importer by 2030,” Heidy Rehman, an analyst at
the bank, wrote.
The country already consumes all its natural-gas production and plans to
develop nuclear power, which pose execution risk amid a lack of available
experts, safety issues and cost overruns, Rehman said.

Saudi Arabia, which depends on oil for 86% of its annual revenue, is
accelerating exploration for gas and is planning to develop solar and
nuclear power to preserve more of its valuable crude for export. The kingdom
has refused to import gas, unlike neighbouring producers such as Kuwait and
the UAE that also lack fuel for power generation.

Saudi Arabia’s per capita consumption in 2011 is higher than most
industrialised nations, including the US, according to the report. The
nation’s 10-year historical consumption compound annual growth rate may
increase 6%, double its projected population growth, Rehman wrote.

Saudi Arabia’s population was 28mn as of the end of 2011, International
Monetary Fund data compiled by Bloomberg shows.

“Indeed we would expect consumption to continue to outstrip population
growth as Saudi Arabia’s currently young population ages and consumer
spending increases supported by rising GDP per capita,” Rehman wrote.

The IMF forecasts a 10% rise in gross domestic product per capita this year
to $ 22,635 and may climb to $ 23,936 by the end of 2017, the data shows.
Saudi Arabia’s $ 600bn economy, the largest in the Arab world, may expand 5%
this year, according to the median estimate of 12 economists surveyed by
Bloomberg.

The country produced 11.2mn bpd of oil and natural-gas-liquids last year,
13% of the world’s supply and more than any other nation, according to BP’s
statistical review. It was the eighth-largest gas producer, providing 9.6bn
cu ft a day to the domestic market, according to the report.

Saudi Arabian power providers pay $ 5 to $ 15 a barrel for its fuel from
state-owned Saudi Arabian Oil Co, according to the report. Brent crude, the
benchmark for more than half the world’s oil, was trading at $ 116 a barrel
yesterday on the London-based ICE Futures Europe Exchange.

“As a result of its subsidies we calculate ‘lost’ oil and gas revenues to
Saudi Arabia in 2011 to be over $ 80bn,” Rehman wrote. “At the domestic
level, we believe the only real way to rationalise energy consumption would
be to reduce subsidy levels.”

WASHINGTON – The presidential elections' platform presented to the Democratic Party's convention in North Carolina Thursday was missing a key reference – the United States' commitment to Jerusalem's status as Israel's capital.

Back in 2008, the platform included the following: "All understand that it is unrealistic to expect the outcome of final status negotiations (between Israel and the Palestinians) to be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949.

"Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel. The parties have agreed that Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations. It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths."

While addressing the US' defense aid to Israel, as its committeemen to dealing with the Iranian threat, the platform submitted in 2012 was devoid this reassurance.

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney slammed Obama over his "shameful refusal" to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and once more blamed him for alienating its key ally in the Middle East.

"It is unfortunate that the entire Democratic Party has embraced President Obama’s shameful refusal to acknowledge that Jerusalem is Israel’s capital... Four years of President Obama’s repeated attempts to create distance between the United States and our cherished ally have led the Democratic Party to remove from their platform an unequivocal acknowledgment of a simple reality," Romney said.

"As president, I will restore our relationship with Israel and stand shoulder to shoulder with our close ally," he pledged in a statement.

The Republican presidential platform stressed the need for a two-state solution that will keep Jerusalem united as Israel's capital city.

A spokesperson for the Democratic Party said that the Obama administration adheres to the same policies as its predecessors have since 1967 when in comes to Jerusalem.

But the party failed to explain the change in its platform.
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4277251,00.html
Jews wake up, it can not be more clear.

One party supports Israel, and one does not.

Of course a lot of kapos support Obama, and would be happier if Israel were to be just wiped off the face of the earth. Problem with kapos is two fold, first they stab their fellow Jews in the back. Second since these kapos like all kapos were wimp's and in this case liberals, they don't own guns.

September 03, 2012

Big Problem

MK seeks answers in closure of Zoabi flotilla case
By YONAH JEREMY BOB
03/09/2012
State, Zuabi and Salah on same side in court against Ben-Ari who demands disclosure of reasons for closing case relating to flotilla.

The High Court of Justice on Monday heard a petition demanding that the state reveal its reasons for having closed its case against Balad MK Haneen Zoabi and Raed Salah, a leader in the Islamic Movement in Israel for their involvement in the May 2010 flotilla.

The petition also demanded that the state reveal the evidence in its possession against Zoabi and Salah.

National Union MK Michael Ben-Ari, activist Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Movement for Our Land of Israel filed the petition, angry that the state had closed the case and seeking ways to reopen the case by pointing out defects in the state’s decision.

Motions and petitions to question the state’s decision to close a case are unusual, and in the rare instance that they happen, they are often from the accused who tries to get the state to eliminate his criminal record or to close the case for reasons which will not look as bad on a criminal record.

It is highly unusual, although not unprecedented, to file a petition to try to get the state to open a case it has closed for lack of evidence in order to compel the state to prosecute the case.

The unusual nature of the case was apparent in that Adalah, a human rights organization which usually is suing the state for alleged human rights violations, and the state attorney were on the same side for once against a common foe.

Adalah’s attorney Hassan Jabareen even remarked at the opening of his statement about “how lucky” he was to be on the same side as the state attorney during the hearing.

The petitioners argued that there were strong court precedents for revealing the state’s considerations and evidence in cases of public interest.

Responding to one of the state’s arguments that revealing the reasons for the decision and the evidence would undermine the state’s ability to have frank and efficient internal discussions to prosecute cases in the future, the petitioners noted that the state had waived this objection in the case of former President Moshe Katzav.

In spite of waiving the objection to revealing internal discussions in the case of Katzav, the petitioners said that the state still managed to convict Katzav and achieved a seven year prison sentence.

The petitioners also noted court precedents in which the mere presence of certain defendants in an area where a public disturbance was occurring was held enough to convict the defendants.

If so, the current case is that much more compelling, argued the petitioners, since the flotilla was graver than a mere public disturbance, endangering state security and involving attacks on IDF soldiers.

Ben-Ari spoke separately from his attorney, adding that there had been a public outcry that the state was not even trying to file a case against the defendants.

He said that by giving up on the criminal case so easily, the case was sending a message that the defendants and the flotilla itself was not wrong and that everything could return to business as usual with no consequences.

The state put forth additional reasons objecting to the requested disclosure.

It noted that revealing the internal information could include exposure of operational details of how Israel handled the flotilla, undermining Israel’s ability to operationally handle future flotillas.

The state also stated that future flotilla participants could learn ways to avoid prosecution by publication of the problems the state saw with prosecuting the current defendants.

It also commented that the head of the state attorney’s office, Moshe Lador, and his highest deputies had reviewed and approved the decision to close the case for lack of evidence.

Jabareen, agreeing with the state’s conclusion to withhold evidence regarding its decision to close the case, said that the public knew well why the case was closed and did not need further information.

According to Jabareen, the case was closed because Zuabi and Salah had nothing to do with any of the unlawful attacks on IDF soldiers.

In fact, he noted, there were hundreds of people involved in the flotilla, and virtually all of them were released, because they had no involvement in the assaults on IDF soldiers.

Zoabi and Salah were the same as these hundreds of people who were released without even a serious investigation, he said, since no one claimed she had been involved in anything resembling violence.

The court heard an questioned the parties, but did not render a decision on the spot.
http://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=283681
So treason, is something we will never charge anyone with.

Go to Oslo and meet with Fatah in violation of the laws of the State of Israel, breathing air back into a dead terrorist group.

Which results in two intifadas' and the deaths of thousands of Israelis.

No problem, no charges.

Go on the flotilla, where Israeli soldiers are assaulted some of which were hurt badly. You make Israel look bad, which was your goal.

Choose Poorly?

'Iran must steer clear of US interests in Gulf'

Washington reportedly sends Tehran indirect message saying it will not back Israeli strike on nuclear facilities as long as Iran refrains from attacking American facilities in Persian Gulf
Shimon Shiffer

The United States has indirectly informed Iran, via two European nations, that it would not back an Israeli strike against the country's nuclear facilities, as long as Tehran refrains from attacking American interests in the Persian Gulf, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Monday.

According to the report, Washington used covert back-channels in Europe to clarify that the US does not intend to back Israel in a strike that may spark a regional conflict.

In return, Washington reportedly expects Iran to steer clear of strategic American assets in the Persian Gulf, such as military bases and aircraft carriers.

Israeli officials reported an unprecedented low in the two nations' defense ties, which stems from the Obama administration's desire to warn Israel against mounting an uncoordinated attack on Iran.

The New York Times reported Monday that US President Barack Obama is promoting a series of steps meant to curb an Israeli offensive against Iran, while forcing the Islamic Republic to take the nuclear negotiations more seriously.

One of the steps considered is "an official declaration by Obama about what might bring about American military action, as well as covert activities that have been previously considered and rejected," the report said.

Several of Obama's top advisors believe that Jerusalem is seeking an unequivocal American statement regarding a US strike on Iran – should it actively pursue a nuclear bomb.

Israel hopes such a statement is made during Obama's address before the UN General Assembly on September 25.

Others in the White House said Israel is trying to drag the US into an unnecessary conflict in the Gulf.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday that "There is absolutely no daylight between the United States and Israel when it comes to preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon."

Carney said that all options remain on the table for Iran. He said the "window for diplomacy remains open," adding that the diplomatic process remains the best way to deal with the Islamic Republic, though "that window will not remain open indefinitely."

Cyber war a go?

According to the New York Times, Washington has also sent Iran a back-channel deal suggesting they curb their nuclear ambitions, but Tehran rejected the deal, saying no agreement is possible sans lifting all West-imposed sanctions.

According to the report, the Obama administration is exploring the possibility of mounting a covert operation, as well as waging a "quiet" cyber war against Iran.

President Obama had previously rejected the notion, fearing such cyber assaults would wreak havoc on Iranian civilian life.

Later in September, the United States and more than 25 other nations will hold the largest-ever minesweeping exercise in the Persian Gulf, in what military officials say is a demonstration of unity and a defensive step to prevent Iran from attempting to block oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

In fact, the United States and Iran have each announced what amounted to dueling defensive exercises to be conducted this fall, each intended to dissuade the other from attack.
http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-4276276,00.html
Mark my words, if you choose Obama in November, you will be forced to make an other choice before the end of his second term.

The choice that will be forced on you will be if you want to stay living in the USA.

For the Jews, think about it you vote for a man that is stabbing Israel in the back and then you will need to run to Israel to try and get a better life.

G-D was not joking when he said of the Jews I will bless them that bless you and those that curse you will be cursed.